Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (1) comprises a first lamp unit (10), a second lamp unit (20), an area determination unit (55) for determining a predetermined area (80), and a control unit (CO). A first irradiation spot (S1f) irradiated by light from a light emitting element (13f) of the first lamp unit (10) overlaps with a second irradiation spot (S2) irradiated by light from a light emitting element (23) of the second lamp unit (20). The control unit (CO) controls the first lamp unit (10) so that the amount of light from the light emitting element (13f) corresponding to the first irradiation spot (S1f) overlapping with the predetermined area 80 is reduced, and controls the second lamp unit (20) so that the amount of light from the light emitting element (23) corresponding to the second irradiation spot (S2) overlapping with the predetermined area (80) is reduced or becomes zero, and light is emitted from the light emitting element (23) corresponding to the second irradiation spot (S2) overlapping with the first irradiation spot (S1f) and not overlapping with the predetermined area (80).

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. Such vehicle headlamps are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below includes a lamp unit and a control unit. The lamp unit includes multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) whose emitted light intensity can be individually varied. Light from each LED creates a light spot arranged in a horizontal direction. Based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles ahead of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit to eliminate LEDs corresponding to light spots that overlap with those of other vehicles. This configuration reduces dazzle for occupants of other vehicles.

[0004] Patent Document 2 below describes a vehicle headlamp equipped with a lamp unit having multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) capable of individually varying the amount of light emitted. The vehicle headlamp can switch from a first state in which it emits light having a predetermined light distribution pattern to a second state in which it emits light having a light shielding region within the predetermined light distribution pattern that prevents light from the lamp unit from irradiating the vehicle. By overlapping the light shielding region with other vehicles ahead of the vehicle, the vehicle headlamp can reduce dazzle for occupants of other vehicles.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16773

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-015104 Summary of the Invention

[0007] 14. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of first light emitting portions are configured to emit light in a manner that the first light spots irradiated by the light from the respective first light emitting portions are arranged at least in the left-right direction; the plurality of second light emitting portions are configured to emit light in a manner that the second light spots irradiated by the light from the respective second light emitting portions are arranged in a matrix; an area determination unit is configured to determine a predetermined area overlapping with an identification unit used by a driver of the other vehicle to identify the outside of the vehicle based on a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from a detection device for detecting the other vehicle located ahead of the vehicle; and a control unit is configured to control the second light spots to be smaller than the predetermined area. The first illumination spot, at least one of the first illumination spots overlaps with at least one of the second illumination spots. As for the control unit, when the specified area is not determined by the area determination unit, the first lamp unit is controlled to emit light from at least the first lamp unit; when the specified area is determined by the area determination unit, the first lamp unit is controlled so that the amount of light emitted from the first light emission portion corresponding to the first illumination spot overlapping with the specified area is reduced or zero, and the second lamp unit is controlled so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emission portion corresponding to the second illumination spot overlapping with the specified area is reduced or zero, and light is emitted from the second light emission portion corresponding to the second illumination spot overlapping with the first illumination spot overlapping with the specified area and not overlapping with the specified area.

[0008] Here, examples of the identification unit used by the driver of another vehicle to identify the outside of the vehicle include, for example, the front windshield when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and, for example, the side mirrors, the rear windshield, and a camera that captures the rear of the vehicle when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. Furthermore, "the light intensity being zero" includes both the light intensity decreasing to zero and the light intensity being maintained at zero.

[0009] In the vehicle headlamp of the first invention, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit and irradiated to the identification portion of other vehicles is reduced or zero, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit and irradiated to the identification portion of other vehicles is reduced or zero. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress dazzle of occupants of other vehicles. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, light is irradiated to the second irradiation spot that overlaps with the first irradiation spot of the irradiated light with a reduced amount of light and does not overlap with the prescribed area. Therefore, the light from the second lamp unit can be irradiated to at least a portion of the area of the first irradiation spot of the irradiated light with a reduced amount of light that does not overlap with the prescribed area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve visibility in the front compared to a case where the second lamp unit is not provided.

[0010] In addition, in the vehicle headlight of the first aspect, the control unit may control the second lamp when the prescribed area is determined by the area determination unit so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot overlapping with the prescribed area and does not overlap with the prescribed area is increased compared to a case where the prescribed area is not determined by the area determination unit.

[0011] By setting up such a structure, compared with the case where the light amount of the light is not increased, the light amount of the second lamp unit irradiated to at least a part of the area that does not overlap with the specified area in the first irradiation spot where the light amount of the irradiated light is reduced can be increased, which can further improve the visibility of the front.

[0012] In addition, in the vehicle headlight of the first aspect, at least one of the first illumination spots may overlap with at least two of the second illumination spots, and the control unit may control the second lamp unit when the specified area is determined by the area determination unit, so that the second light emission unit corresponding to the second illumination spot closer to the specified area among the second illumination spots that overlap with the first illumination spot overlapping with the specified area and do not overlap with the specified area emits more light.

[0013] For example, when a portion of a first illumination spot with a reduced amount of irradiated light overlaps a portion of another first illumination spot adjacent to the first illumination spot, light from the first light emitting portion corresponding to the other first illumination spot is irradiated onto the overlapping region of the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of irradiated light. In this case, the intensity of the light irradiated from the center toward the outer edge of the irradiated illumination spot tends to decrease. Therefore, the intensity of the light from the first light emitting portion corresponding to the other first illumination spot irradiated onto the overlapping region tends to increase as it approaches the predetermined region. In this vehicle headlamp, the closer the second illumination spot to the predetermined region, among the second illumination spots that overlap with the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of irradiated light and do not overlap with the predetermined region, the higher the intensity of the irradiated light. Therefore, for example, when a second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of irradiated light and does not overlap with the predetermined region overlaps with the overlapping region, the light intensity in the overlapping region can be made uniform, thereby preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the overlapping region.

[0014] Alternatively, the control unit may control the second lamp when the specified area is determined by the area determination unit so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot overlapping with the specified area and does not overlap with the specified area does not change from the amount of light when the specified area is not determined by the area determination unit.

[0015] With this configuration, the control of the second lamp unit by the control unit can be simplified compared to the case where the light amount of the light changes.

[0016] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control unit may control the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit when the predetermined area is not specified by the area specifying unit.

[0017] With this configuration, when the area determination unit has not yet determined a predetermined area, a light distribution pattern is formed using light emitted from both the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit. As described above, since at least one first illumination spot overlaps with at least one second illumination spot, the area illuminated by the light emitted from the first lamp unit and the area illuminated by the light emitted from the second lamp unit can overlap. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect can provide greater flexibility in the light intensity distribution within the formed light distribution pattern, compared to the aforementioned case where light from the second lamp unit is not emitted.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle headlamp, characterized in that it includes a lamp unit having a plurality of light emitting portions arranged in a matrix and capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted, and emitting light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting portions. The lamp unit can be switched between a first state in which light having a prescribed light distribution pattern is emitted, and a second state in which light having a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a prescribed area of the prescribed light distribution pattern is reduced is emitted. When switching from the second state to the first state, the light amount in a portion of the prescribed area returns to the light amount in the portion in the first state, and the portion expands over time.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, if the prescribed area overlaps with an identification portion used by drivers of other vehicles to identify the exterior, switching from the first state to the second state can prevent dazzle to occupants of the other vehicle. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the brightness begins to increase in a portion of the prescribed area, and this brightened area expands over time. In other words, the area where the light intensity decreases decreases over time. Therefore, compared to a case where the vehicle headlamp is switched instantaneously from the second state to the first state, the driver's perception of discomfort caused by the change in brightness in the prescribed area can be reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the partial region may expand upward from a lower edge of the predetermined region with the passage of time.

[0021] Objects that the driver needs to pay attention to include other vehicles as well as pedestrians and obstacles on the road. In this vehicle headlamp, when switching from the second state to the first state, the illumination can be increased starting from the side of the predetermined area closest to the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, if the predetermined area overlaps with a pedestrian or obstacle on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can more quickly recognize the pedestrian or obstacle.

[0022] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the partial region may expand downward from an upper edge of the predetermined region with the passage of time.

[0023] The sign is located above the road. In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the light begins to illuminate from the upper side of the predetermined area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, for example, when the predetermined area and the sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can more quickly recognize the sign.

[0024] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the partial region may expand from one edge in the left-right direction of the predetermined region toward the other side with the passage of time.

[0025] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the light is illuminated starting from one side in the left-right direction within the predetermined area. Therefore, compared to a case where the light is illuminated starting from both sides in the left-right direction within the predetermined area, the adjustment of the light emitted from the multiple light emitting portions can be simplified. Furthermore, if the predetermined area overlaps with a sign located on the roadside shoulder, and the partial area extends from the side of the left-right direction where the sign is located, the driver can quickly identify the sign.

[0026] In this case, the center of the predetermined area may be offset from the left-right center of the predetermined light distribution pattern to a predetermined side in the left-right direction, and the partial area may expand from an edge of the predetermined area on the opposite side to the predetermined side in the left-right direction toward the predetermined side over time.

[0027] Typically, the left-right center of the emitted light distribution pattern tends to lie on a vertical line passing through the left-right center of the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the brightness can be increased starting from the side of the left-right sides of the predetermined area that is closer to the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the driver's perception of discomfort with changes in brightness within the predetermined area can be further reduced compared to a case where the brightness is increased starting from the side of the left-right sides of the predetermined area that is farther from the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle.

[0028] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the partial region may expand from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge of the predetermined region toward the inner side of the predetermined region with the passage of time.

[0029] This configuration allows the designated area to brighten more quickly than if the partial area were to extend from a portion of the outer periphery of the designated area. This allows the driver to more quickly identify signs, etc., that overlap with the designated area. Furthermore, compared to if the partial area were to extend from a portion of the outer periphery of the designated area, this reduces the discomfort felt by the driver and provides a sense of security.

[0030] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, the partial region may expand from an inner side of the predetermined region toward an outer peripheral side of the predetermined region with the passage of time.

[0031] In the vehicle headlamp, the brightness starts to increase from the inner side of the predetermined area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the driver can further suppress the discomfort caused by the change in brightness in the predetermined area compared to the case where the brightness starts to increase from the outer peripheral side of the predetermined area.

[0032] In this case, the speed at which the partial region expands downward may be faster than the speed at which the partial region expands upward.

[0033] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the lower side of the predetermined area can be brightened more quickly than the upper side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, for example, when the predetermined area overlaps with a pedestrian or obstacle on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can more quickly recognize the pedestrian or obstacle.

[0034] Alternatively, the speed at which the partial region expands upward may be faster than the speed at which the partial region expands downward.

[0035] In the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the upper side of the predetermined area can be brightened more quickly than the lower side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, for example, when the predetermined area and the sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can more quickly recognize the sign.

[0036] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp according to the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in the area other than the partial area in the predetermined area may increase over time so that the light intensity decreases as it is farther away from the partial area.

[0037] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, a portion of the predetermined area begins to brighten, and this brightened area expands over time. Therefore, with this configuration, the predetermined area becomes darker as it moves away from the bright area, making the boundary between the bright and dark areas less noticeable. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect can further reduce the driver's discomfort with changes in brightness within the predetermined area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 It is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle including a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1A side view of the first lamp unit is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion is shown.

[0041] Figure 4 It is explained from Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first illumination spot illuminated by light from each light emitting element.

[0042] Figure 5 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A side view of the second lamp unit is shown.

[0043] Figure 6 It is a schematic representation Figure 5 A front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion is shown.

[0044] Figure 7 It is explained from Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second illumination spot illuminated by light from each light emitting element.

[0045] Figure 8 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A side view of the third lamp unit is shown.

[0046] Figure 9 It is a schematic representation Figure 8 The front view of the light source part is shown.

[0047] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a low beam according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a high beam according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of a predetermined area specified by the area specifying unit.

[0051] Figure 14 It will Figure 13 A diagram showing an enlarged view of the specified area and its vicinity.

[0052] Figure 15 Is to express Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined area.

[0053] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical direction schematically showing a second lamp unit according to a modified example.

[0054] Figure 17 It is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle including a vehicle headlamp according to a third embodiment as the second aspect of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a high beam according to a third embodiment.

[0056] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit according to the third embodiment.

[0057] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle as another vehicle is detected by the detection device.

[0058] Figure 21 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern changes in response to other vehicles according to the third embodiment.

[0059] Figure 22 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern changes in response to other vehicles according to the fourth embodiment.

[0060] Figure 23 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern changes in response to other vehicles according to the fifth embodiment.

[0061] Figure 24 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern changes in response to other vehicles according to the sixth embodiment.

[0062] Figure 25 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern changes in response to other vehicles according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the vehicle headlamp of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 The following examples are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved based on the following examples without departing from its main purpose. In addition, in the above drawings, the dimensions of each component are sometimes exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0064] (First embodiment)

[0065] A first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 FIG is a top view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle 100 includes a vehicle headlamp 1 , a detection device 110 , and a light switch 120 .

[0066] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile. The vehicle headlamp 1 includes, as its main components, a pair of left and right lamp units 5, a control unit CO, a determination unit 50, a region determination unit 55, and a pair of power supply circuits 60. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "right" refers to the right side from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100, and "left" refers to the left side from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0067] In this embodiment, a pair of lamp units 5 are formed to have shapes that are substantially symmetrical with each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and emit light with a changeable light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle 100. The structure of one lamp unit 5 is identical to that of the other lamp unit 5, except for the substantially symmetrical shapes. Therefore, the following description will focus on one lamp unit 5, and the description of the other lamp unit 5 will be omitted.

[0068] The lamp unit 5 of this embodiment includes a first lamp unit 10, a second lamp unit 20, and a third lamp unit 30. These lamp units 10, 20, and 30 are arranged transversely to each other, with the second lamp unit 20 being positioned at the centermost side of the vehicle 100, the third lamp unit 30 being positioned at the outermost side of the vehicle 100, and the first lamp unit 10 being positioned between the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30.

[0069] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a side view of the first lamp unit 10. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first lamp unit 10 includes a light distribution pattern forming portion 12, a projection lens 15, and a frame 16 as main components. Figure 2 , the frame 16 is shown in a vertical cross-section.

[0070] The housing 16 mainly comprises 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. Furthermore, the rear of the lamp housing 17 has an opening smaller than the front, and the rear cover 19 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to block the opening.

[0071] A space formed by the lamp housing 17 , a front cover 18 closing the front opening of the lamp housing 17 , and a rear cover 19 closing the rear opening of the lamp housing 17 constitutes a lamp chamber 10R. The light distribution pattern forming unit 12 and the projection lens 15 are accommodated in the lamp chamber 10R.

[0072] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation 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 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h as a first light emitting portion that emits light, and a circuit substrate 14 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h are mounted. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h are arranged in a row in the left-right direction and emit light toward the front. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h can each change the amount of light emitted. In this embodiment, the light emitting surfaces of these light-emitting elements 13a to 13h are LEDs that are approximately rectangular and long in the vertical direction, and the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 is a so-called LED array, in which 8 LEDs are arranged. In addition, the type and number of light-emitting elements are not particularly limited.

[0073] The light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h that emit light. Furthermore, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can adjust the intensity distribution of light within the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h. In other words, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern that corresponds to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h.

[0074] The projection lens 15 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the incident light. The projection lens 15 is arranged in front of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and is incident on the light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. The divergence angle of this light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. The projection lens 15 is a lens with a convex incident surface and an emitting surface. The optical axis of the projection lens 15 passes between the light-emitting element 13d and the light-emitting element 13e in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and the rear focus of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the surface including the light emitting surface of the light-emitting element 13d. The light with the divergence angle adjusted by the projection lens 15 is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 to the front of the vehicle 100 via the front cover 18.

[0075] Figure 4 It is explained from Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first irradiation spot irradiated by light from each of the light emitting elements 13 a to 13 h. Figure 4 The first irradiation spots S1a to S1h shown are areas where light is irradiated from the light emitting elements 13a to 13h on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle 100. Figure 4In the figure, S represents a horizontal line, and V represents a vertical line passing through the left-right center of the vehicle 100. As described above, the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Therefore, the first illumination spots S1a to S1h are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Therefore, it can be understood that the first lamp unit 10 emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h so that the first illumination spots S1a to S1h, which are illuminated by light from each light-emitting element 13a to 13h, are arranged in the left-right direction. The first illumination spot S1a corresponds to the light-emitting element 13a, and when light is emitted from the light-emitting element 13a, it is illuminated by the first illumination spot S1a. In addition, the first irradiation spot S1b corresponds to the light-emitting element 13b, the first irradiation spot S1c corresponds to the light-emitting element 13c, the first irradiation spot S1d corresponds to the light-emitting element 13d, the first irradiation spot S1e corresponds to the light-emitting element 13e, the first irradiation spot S1f corresponds to the light-emitting element 13f, the first irradiation spot S1g corresponds to the light-emitting element 13g, and the first irradiation spot S1h corresponds to the light-emitting element 13h.

[0076] These first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are rectangular shapes of approximately the same size and elongated in the vertical direction. Furthermore, portions of adjacent first irradiation spots overlap. For example, a portion of the first irradiation spot S1a overlaps a portion of the first irradiation spot S1b, and another portion of the first irradiation spot S1b overlaps a portion of the first irradiation spot S1c. Furthermore, these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h overlap with the horizontal line S, and the two first irradiation spots S1d and S1e overlap with the vertical line V. In other words, the positions of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h are adjusted in such a manner as to arrange these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h. Furthermore, adjacent first irradiation spots may be in contact with each other or separated from each other to form gaps. However, these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are preferably arranged without gaps in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the shapes of the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are not particularly limited.

[0077] Figure 5 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 The side view of the second lamp unit 20 is shown. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second lamp unit 20 has a light distribution pattern forming portion 22, a projection lens 25, and a frame 26 as main components. Figure 5 , the frame 26 is shown in a vertical cross-section. The frame 26 has the same structure as the frame 16 of the first lamp unit 10, and includes a lamp housing 27, a front cover 28, and a rear cover 29 as its main components. The light distribution pattern forming unit 22 and the projection lens 25 are housed within the lamp chamber 20R formed by the frame 26.

[0078] Figure 6 It is a schematic representation Figure 5 The front view of the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 is shown. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 of the present embodiment has a plurality of light emitting elements 23 as a second light emitting portion that emits light and a circuit substrate 24 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 23 are mounted. The plurality of light emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix, forming columns in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and emitting light toward the front. These light emitting elements 23 are smaller than the light emitting elements 13a to 13h in the first lamp unit 10, and can individually change the amount of light emitted. In the present embodiment, the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 has 32 light emitting element groups consisting of 96 light emitting elements 23 arranged in the left-right direction, and these light emitting element groups are arranged in the up-down direction. In addition, these light emitting elements 23 are micro LEDs, and the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 is a so-called micro LED array. In addition, the number of light emitting elements 23 in each light emitting element group and the number of light emitting element groups are not particularly limited.

[0079] Such a light distribution pattern forming unit 22 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light-emitting elements 23 that emit light. Furthermore, the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 can adjust the intensity distribution of light within the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23. In other words, it can be understood that the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 forms a predetermined light distribution pattern corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23.

[0080] The projection lens 25, like the projection lens 15, adjusts the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 25 is positioned forward of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22. Light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 is incident on the projection lens 25, and the divergence angle of this light is adjusted by the projection lens 25. The projection lens 25 has convex incident and exit surfaces. The rear focal point of the projection lens 25 is located on or near the light exit surface of any light-emitting element 23 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 22. Light with its divergence angle adjusted by the projection lens 25 is emitted from the second lamp unit 20 toward the front of the vehicle 100 via the front cover 28.

[0081] Figure 7 It is explained from Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second illumination spot illuminated by light from each light emitting element 23. FIG. Figure 7 The second irradiation spot S2 shown is an area where light is irradiated from the light emitting element 23 on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle 100. Figure 7In , S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are represented by dotted lines. Since the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 in the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 are arranged in a matrix shape as described above, the second irradiation spots S2 irradiated by the light from each light-emitting element 23 are arranged in a matrix shape in front of the vehicle 100. Therefore, it can be understood that the second lamp unit 20 emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 in a manner that arranges the second irradiation spots S2 irradiated by the light from each light-emitting element 23 in a matrix shape. In addition, for ease of understanding, in Figure 7 In the embodiment, the number of the plurality of second illumination spots S2 is reduced. Each second illumination spot S2 corresponds to a light-emitting element 23, and the relative position of a specific light-emitting element 23 among the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 and the relative position of a specific second illumination spot S2 corresponding to that specific light-emitting element 23 among the plurality of second illumination spots S2 are reversed vertically, horizontally, and left-to-right. For example, the second illumination spot S2 corresponding to the light-emitting element 23 located to the upper right of the viewpoint of the driver of vehicle 100 is located to the lower left of the viewpoint of the driver of vehicle 100.

[0082] These second irradiation spots S2 are of approximately the same size in the positive direction. Figure 7 In the figure, for ease of understanding, multiple second irradiation spots S2 are described in such a manner that adjacent second irradiation spots S2 are connected to each other, but adjacent second irradiation spots S2 overlap with each other. Moreover, the area 70 formed by these second irradiation spots S2 as a whole is a rectangle that is long in the left-right direction. In other words, this area 70 can be understood as the area where the second lamp unit 20 can irradiate light. This area 70 overlaps with the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and also overlaps with the six first irradiation spots S1b to S1g. Each of these six first irradiation spots S1b to S1g overlaps with at least one of the second irradiation spots S2, and in this embodiment, overlaps with multiple second irradiation spots S2. In other words, the orientation of the second lamp unit 20 is adjusted so that the area 70 formed by the second irradiation spots S2 is arranged in this manner. In addition, adjacent second irradiation spots S2 can be connected to each other or separated from each other to form gaps. However, it is preferred that the multiple second irradiation spots S2 are arranged in a matrix without gaps. The second irradiation spot S2 only needs to be smaller than the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h, and its shape is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the plurality of second irradiation spots S2 may include second irradiation spots S2 of varying sizes and shapes. Furthermore, as long as at least one of the eight first irradiation spots S1a to S1h overlaps with at least one second irradiation spot S2, all of the irradiation spots S1a to S1h may overlap with the second irradiation spot S2.

[0083] Figure 8 It is a schematic representation Figure 1FIG. 3 is a side view of the third lamp unit 30. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third lamp unit 30 includes a light source 32, a light shield 33, a projection lens 35, and a frame 36 as main components. Figure 8 , the frame 36 is shown in a vertical cross-section. The frame 36 has the same structure as the frame 16 of the first lamp unit 10, and includes a lamp housing 37, a front cover 38, and a rear cover 39 as its main components. The light source 32, the light shield 33, and the projection lens 35 are housed in the lamp chamber 30R formed by the frame 36.

[0084] Figure 9 It is a schematic representation Figure 8 The front view of the light source unit 32 is shown. Figure 9 The light shielding member 33 is also described in the literature. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the light source unit 32 of this embodiment includes a light emitting element 32a for emitting light and a circuit board 32b for mounting the light emitting element 32a. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 32a is a substantially rectangular LED with a light emitting surface extending in the left-right direction, and emits light toward the front.

[0085] The light shielding member 33 includes a light shielding portion 33a and a fixing portion 33b. In this embodiment, the light shielding portion 33a and the fixing portion 33b are integrally formed by bending a plate-like member. The light shielding portion 33a extends in the left-right direction, in front of the light-emitting element 32a of the light source unit 32, and is connected to the fixing portion 33b at its lower end. The fixing portion 33b extends rearward from the lower end of the light shielding portion 33a, and the end of the fixing portion 33b opposite the light shielding portion 33a is fixed to the circuit board 32b. The upper edge of the light shielding portion 33a is composed of a first edge portion 33e1, a second edge portion 33e2, and a third edge portion 33e3. The first edge portion 33e1 extends generally horizontally. The second edge portion 33e2 extends linearly from one end of the first edge portion 33e1 toward the side opposite the first edge portion 33e1 and downward. The third edge portion 33e3 extends substantially horizontally from the end of the second edge portion 33e2 opposite to the first edge portion 33e1. The light shielding portion 33a of the light shielding member 33 blocks part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 32a.

[0086] The projection lens 35, like the projection lens 15, adjusts the divergence angle of the incident light. In this embodiment, the projection lens 35 is a lens with convex incident and exit surfaces, and is positioned forward of the light shield 33. The rear focal point of the projection lens 35 is located at or near the upper edge of the light shielding portion 33a of the light shield 33. As described above, a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a is blocked by the light shielding portion 33a of the light shield 33. The remaining portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a enters the projection lens 35, and light with a specific light distribution pattern corresponding to the shape of the light shielding portion 33a is emitted from the projection lens 35. Furthermore, this specific light distribution pattern is a vertically and horizontally inverted light distribution pattern obtained when the light shielding portion 33a blocks a portion of the light. Thus, the light with the specific light distribution pattern emitted from the projection lens 35 is emitted from the third lamp unit 30 toward the front of the vehicle 100 via the front cover 38.

[0087] then, Figure 1 The control unit CO shown can be implemented using, for example, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. Furthermore, when using an NC device, the control unit CO may or may not utilize a machine learning engine. As described later, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30.

[0088] The control unit CO is connected to a light switch 120 provided in the vehicle 100. The light switch 120 of this embodiment is a switch that selects one of low beam emission, high beam emission, and non-emission of light. For example, when low beam emission is selected, the light switch 120 outputs a signal indicating low beam emission to the control unit CO. When high beam emission is selected, the light switch 120 outputs a signal indicating high beam emission to the control unit CO. Furthermore, when non-emission of light is selected, the light switch 120 does not output a signal to the control unit CO.

[0089] The detection device 110 of this embodiment detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100. When detecting other vehicles, the detection device 110 outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the area determination unit 55 via the determination unit 50. Furthermore, the detection device 110 detects the status of the detected other vehicle and outputs a signal indicating the status of the other vehicle to the area determination unit 55 via the determination unit 50. Alternatively, the detection device 110 may output these signals directly to the area determination unit 55. Examples of the status of the other vehicle 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 110 includes, for example, a camera and a detection unit (not shown). The camera is mounted on the front of the vehicle 100 and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle 100 at predetermined time intervals, such as 1 / 30 second intervals. The images captured by the camera include at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light emitted from the pair of lamp units 5. 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.

[0090] For example, if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, a pair of white light spots, generated by light from the oncoming vehicle's headlights, appear in the captured image. The detection unit matches these 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 the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 50. Alternatively, the detection unit may include the location of the other vehicle in the signal indicating the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle and output a signal indicating the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle. Furthermore, the detection unit calculates the distance from vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle based on, for example, the distance between the pair of white light spots. The detection unit then outputs a signal indicating the position of the pair of white light spots in the captured image and a signal indicating the calculated distance to the determination unit 50 as a signal indicating the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to vehicle 100. Furthermore, if the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle, a pair of red light spots, generated by light from the preceding vehicle's taillights, appear in the captured image. The detection unit matches a pair of red light spots with the light from the taillights of the 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 the determination unit 50. Alternatively, the detection unit may include the signal indicating the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle in the signal indicating the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle and output the signal indicating the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the detection unit calculates the distance from vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle based on, for example, the distance between the pair of red light spots. The detection unit then outputs a signal indicating the position of the pair of red light spots in the captured image, as a signal indicating the position of the preceding vehicle relative to vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance to the determination unit 50.

[0091] On the other hand, when the detection unit does not detect another vehicle located ahead of the vehicle 100 , the detection unit does not output a signal to the determination unit 50 .

[0092] As a structure of the detection unit, for example, the same structure as the control unit CO can be cited, and as a camera, for example, a C-MOS (Complementary metal oxide semiconductor) camera or a CCD (Charged coupled device) camera can be cited.

[0093] Furthermore, the structure of the detection device 110, the method for detecting other vehicles performed by the detection device 110, the method for calculating the distance from the vehicle 100 to other vehicles, the method for identifying oncoming vehicles and preceding vehicles, and the signal indicating the status of other vehicles output from the detection device 110 to the determination unit 50 are not particularly limited. For example, the detection device 110 may further include an image processing unit that performs image processing on an image captured by a camera, and the detection unit may also detect other vehicles and the status of such other vehicles based on the information processed by the image processing unit. Furthermore, the detection device 110 may further include a millimeter-wave radar, a laser radar, or the like that can detect objects in front of the vehicle 100, and may detect other vehicles in front of the vehicle 100 and the status of such other vehicles based on the image captured by the camera and the signals input from the millimeter-wave radar, the laser radar, or the like.

[0094] Based on a signal indicating the status of another vehicle from the detection device 110 that detects another vehicle ahead of the vehicle 100, the determination unit 50 determines whether the detected other vehicle satisfies specified requirements. Examples of specified requirements include the distance between the other vehicle and the 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, the specified requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a specified distance, such as 100 meters. Furthermore, this specified distance may differ between the case where the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle and the case where the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle. In this embodiment, if the other vehicle satisfies the specified requirements, the determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating information such as an image of the other vehicle and the location of the other vehicle in the image to the region determination unit 55 as the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle. If the other vehicle does not meet the specified requirements, or if no signal is input to the determination unit 50 from the detection device 110, the determination unit 50 does not output a signal to the region determination unit 55. Therefore, the determination by the determination unit 50 can be understood as changing the output signal according to the situation based on the signal input from the detection device 110. As an example of the structure of the determination unit 50, the same structure as the control unit CO can be cited.

[0095] Based on the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle from the detection device 110 via the determination unit 50, the area determination unit 55 determines a predetermined area that overlaps with the identification unit used by the driver of the other vehicle to identify the exterior of the vehicle, and outputs a signal indicating the predetermined area to the control unit CO. Therefore, the predetermined area is not a predetermined area. However, the area determination unit 55 may also select an area from a plurality of predetermined areas as the predetermined area based on the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50, and determine this area as the predetermined area. Examples of the identification unit used by the driver of the other vehicle to identify the exterior of the vehicle include the front windshield when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and side mirrors, the rear windshield, or a camera that captures the rear view of the vehicle when the other vehicle is a leading vehicle. Preferably, the predetermined area overlaps with the entire identification unit of the other vehicle. In this embodiment, the area determination unit 55 determines a rectangular area that encompasses the entire other vehicle on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100 as the predetermined area. A predetermined gap is formed between the outer edge of the predetermined area and the outer edge of the other vehicle. The area determination unit 55 determines such a predetermined area. On the other hand, the area determination unit 55 does not output a signal to the control unit CO unless a signal indicating the status of another vehicle is input. In this case, the area determination unit 55 may output a signal to the control unit CO indicating that the predetermined area is not determined. Examples of the configuration of the area determination unit 55 include the same configuration as that of the control unit CO. Furthermore, the area determination unit 55 may also serve as the determination unit 50. The shape of the predetermined area is not particularly limited.

[0096] One power supply circuit 60 corresponds to one lamp unit 5, and another power supply circuit 60 corresponds to another lamp unit 5. Each power supply circuit 60 includes a driver. In response to a signal from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied to the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h of the first lamp unit 10, the light-emitting element 23 of the second lamp unit 20, and the light-emitting element 32a of the third lamp unit 30. This adjusts the amount of light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, 23, and 32a. Alternatively, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 can adjust the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, 23, and 32a using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the duty cycle is adjusted to adjust the amount of light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, 23, and 32a.

[0097] Next, the low beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0098] In the present embodiment, a low-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 .

[0099] Figure 10 : is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the low beam of this embodiment. Figure 10 In FIG, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the low beam light distribution pattern PL formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a thick line. Figure 10 In FIG. 1 , a region 70 that can be illuminated by light from the second lamp unit 20 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0100] The low beam light distribution pattern PL of this embodiment has cut-off lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 at the upper edge. The cut-off line CL1 extends horizontally from the inflection point EP located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V to one side of the left-right direction, i.e., the right side. The cut-off line CL2 extends obliquely upward from the inflection point EP to the other side of the left-right direction, i.e., the left side, and the end of the cut-off line CL2 on the opposite side to the inflection point EP is located above the horizontal line S. The cut-off line CL3 extends horizontally from the end of the cut-off line CL2 on the opposite side to the inflection point EP to the other side of the left-right direction. In addition, the area with the highest light intensity in the low beam light distribution pattern PL, i.e., the hot zone HZL, is located near the inflection point EP. In addition, in countries or regions where right-hand traffic is adopted for vehicles, the low beam light distribution pattern is the same as Figure 10 The low beam light distribution pattern PL shown is substantially bilaterally symmetrical, with a cutoff line CL1 extending horizontally to the left from the inflection point EP and a cutoff line CL2 extending obliquely upward and to the right from the inflection point EP.

[0101] The shape of the upper end of the light shielding portion 33a of the light shielding member 33 in the third lamp unit 30 corresponds to the upper edge of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. The specific light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 generally coincides with the shape of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. Furthermore, within the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, an overlapping region 71 that overlaps with the area 70 irradiated by light from the second lamp unit 20 includes a hot zone HZL. Light from the second lamp unit 20 is irradiated into this overlapping region 71. In other words, light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 within the overlapping region 71, irradiating the overlapping region 71 with light from both the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30. The intensity distribution of light in this overlapping region 71 decreases as it moves farther from the hot zone HZL. The control unit CO adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 to achieve this intensity distribution in the overlapping region 71. In this manner, the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 emit light, whereby the vehicle headlamp 1 emits low beam.

[0102] Next, the high beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0103] In the present embodiment, a high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 , the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 , and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 .

[0104] Figure 11 : is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the high beam of this embodiment. Figure 11 In FIG, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a thick line. Figure 11 In the figure, the area 70 that the second lamp unit 20 can illuminate is indicated by a dotted line, along with the first illumination spots S1a to S1h. In this embodiment, the hot zone HZH, the area with the highest light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, overlapping the two first illumination spots S1d and S1e and the area 70.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the vehicle headlamp 1 emits high beam, light is emitted from all light-emitting elements 13a to 13h in the first lamp unit 10 and all light-emitting elements 23 in the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, light from the corresponding light-emitting elements 13a to 13h is emitted toward the first illumination spots S1a to S1h, and light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 toward the area 70. Furthermore, the third lamp unit 30 emits the same light as when forming low beam. The light intensity distribution in the area overlapping the area 70 within the high beam light distribution pattern PH is, for example, such that the farther away from the hot zone HZH, the lower the intensity. The control unit CO adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 so that the light intensity in the area 70 has this distribution. In this way, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits high beam by emitting light from the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30.

[0106] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit of this embodiment. Figure 12 As shown, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP17.

[0107] (Step SP11)

[0108] First, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating the emission of low beams is input from the light switch 120. If the signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12. On the other hand, if the signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP13. Therefore, the determination by the control unit CO can be understood as changing the next step according to the input signal.

[0109] (Step SP12)

[0110] In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits low beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined control signal corresponding to low beam to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supply to all light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, stops supplying power to the light-emitting element 32a, and supplies power corresponding to low beam to each light-emitting element 23. Consequently, the second lamp unit 20 emits a portion of the light that constitutes low beam, while the third lamp unit 30 emits another portion of the light that constitutes low beam, thereby emitting low beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0111] (Step SP13)

[0112] In this step, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating high beam emission is input from the light switch 120. If the signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP14. On the other hand, if the signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP17.

[0113] (Step SP14)

[0114] In this step, the control unit CO determines whether the predetermined area has been determined by the area determination unit 55 based on the signal input from the area determination unit 55. If no signal is input from the area determination unit 55 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP15. On the other hand, if a signal is input from the area determination unit 55 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP16.

[0115] (Step SP15)

[0116] In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined control signal corresponding to the high beam to the power supply circuit 60. Consequently, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 to a predetermined power level, the power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a of the light source unit 32 to a predetermined power level, and the power supplied to the light-emitting elements 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 to a power corresponding to the high beam. Consequently, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a low beam by emitting light that constitutes a portion of the high beam from the first lamp unit 10, another portion of the high beam from the second lamp unit 20, and yet another portion of the high beam from the third lamp unit 30. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11. Furthermore, as described above, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same specific light distribution pattern as the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when the vehicle headlamp 1 emits low beam.

[0117] (Step SP16)

[0118] In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the light distribution pattern corresponding to the predetermined area determined by the area determination unit 55. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0119] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of a prescribed area 80 determined by the area determination unit 55, and is a diagram showing an example of a prescribed area 80 determined when another vehicle 90 as an oncoming vehicle is detected by the detection device 110 and the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle 90 satisfies prescribed requirements. Figure 14 It will Figure 13 FIG. 80 and its vicinity are enlarged. Figure 13 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 predetermined area 80 on a virtual vertical screen 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a thick line. Figure 13 In FIG, the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are indicated by single-dot chain lines, and the region 70 is indicated by a dotted line. Figure 14 In FIG, the second illumination spot S2 is represented by a thin line. In addition, for easy understanding, Figure 14 , the number of the second irradiation spots S2 is reduced. In addition, although a plurality of second irradiation spots S2 are described so that adjacent second irradiation spots S2 are in contact with each other, adjacent second irradiation spots S2 overlap with each other.

[0120] As described above, in this embodiment, the predetermined area 80 is a rectangular shape encompassing the entirety of the oncoming vehicle 90, with a predetermined gap formed between the outer edge of the predetermined area 80 and the outer edge of the oncoming vehicle 90. Therefore, the predetermined area 80 overlaps with the front windshield 91, which serves as a visual indicator for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90, and which allows the driver to see outside the vehicle. The control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 based on the positional relationship between the predetermined area 80 and the first illumination spots S1a to S1h. Specifically, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13e and 13f corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e and S1f overlapping the predetermined area 80 so that the amount of light emitted from these light-emitting elements 13e and 13f is reduced compared to the amount of light emitted when emitting high beams, or is zero. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13a to 13d, 13g, and 13h corresponding to the first illumination spots S1a to S1d, S1g, and S1h that do not overlap with the predetermined area 80 so that the light intensity emitted from these light-emitting elements 13a to 13d, 13g, and 13h reaches the light intensity when emitting high beams. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 that adjusts the light intensity of the light emitted from each light-emitting element 13a to 13h, and the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 13a to 13h. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 so that the light intensity of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e and 13f reaches zero.

[0121] In addition, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 based on the positional relationship between the predetermined area 80 and the second irradiation spot S2. Specifically, the control unit CO controls the light emitting element 23 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping with the predetermined area 80 is reduced compared to the amount of light emitted when the high beam is emitted. Figure 14The control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 so that the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2, which is shaded by multiple dots, emits light. The second illumination spot S2, which is shaded, overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, which overlap with the predetermined area 80, but does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2, which does not overlap with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, which overlap with the predetermined area 80, is the same as the amount of light emitted when emitting high beams. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 that adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23, and the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted by the driver of the power supply circuit 60. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 overlapping the predetermined area 80 becomes zero, and the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 cast a shadow becomes the same as the amount of light emitted when emitting high beams. However, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 cast a shadow may be different from the amount of light emitted when emitting high beams.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the third lamp unit 30 regardless of the predetermined area 80 so as to emit light having the same specific light distribution pattern as the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when emitting high beam.

[0123] Figure 15 Is to express Figure 14 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern corresponding to a predetermined area 80. Figure 15In the figure, S represents a horizontal line, and V represents a vertical line passing through the left-right center of the vehicle 100. The light distribution pattern 200, arranged on a virtual vertical screen 25 meters in front of the vehicle 100, is represented by a bold line. As described above, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13a to 13d, 13g, and 13h corresponding to the first illumination spots S1a to S1d, S1g, and S1h other than the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, and the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that does not overlap with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, are the same as when emitting high beams. Furthermore, the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same as when emitting high beams. Therefore, the light distribution pattern 200 is a light distribution pattern in which the light intensity distribution in the region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH that overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f changes. Furthermore, as described above, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e and 13e corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f overlapping the predetermined area 80, and the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping the predetermined area 80, are reduced compared to the amount of light emitted when the high beam is in operation. Therefore, the light distribution pattern 200 includes the predetermined area 80 and has a dimming region 81 where the amount of light is reduced compared to when the high beam is in operation. This dimming region 81 overlaps with the front windshield 91 of the other vehicle 90, which serves as an identification portion.

[0124] (Step SP17)

[0125] In this step, no signal is input from the light switch 120 to the control unit CO. Therefore, the light switch 120 is in the non-light emission state. The control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that light is not emitted. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60, causing it to stop supplying power to all light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, all light-emitting elements 23, and the light-emitting element 32a, thereby preventing light from being emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The control flow then returns to step SP11.

[0126] Thus, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the light distribution pattern PH of the emitted high beam changes to the light distribution pattern 200 having the dimming area 81 when the area specifying unit 55 specifies the predetermined area 80. The control flow of the control unit CO is not particularly limited.

[0127] However, the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 does not irradiate light to the surrounding area including other vehicles, and thus tends to reduce visibility in the front.

[0128] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a first lamp unit 10, a second lamp unit 20, an area determination unit 55, and a control unit CO. The first lamp unit 10 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h whose emitted light intensity can be individually changed. Light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h is emitted so that first illumination spots S1a to S1h, which are illuminated by the light from the respective light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, are arranged in the left-right direction. The second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 whose emitted light intensity can be individually changed. Light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 is emitted so that second illumination spots S2, which are illuminated by the light from the respective light-emitting elements 23, are arranged in a matrix. Upon receiving a signal from the detection device 110 indicating the detection of another vehicle 90 located ahead of the vehicle 100, the area determination unit 55 determines a predetermined area 80 that overlaps with an identification unit used by the driver of the other vehicle 90 to identify the exterior of the vehicle. The second irradiation spot S2 is smaller than the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h, and the first irradiation spots S1b to S1g overlap with the plurality of second irradiation spots S2. If the area determination unit 55 has not identified the predetermined area 80, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 to emit light. Furthermore, if the area determination unit 55 has identified the predetermined area 80, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 to reduce or eliminate the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e and 13f corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f that overlap with the predetermined area 80. In addition, in this case, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping with the prescribed area 80 is reduced or is zero, and light is emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f overlapping with the prescribed area 80 and not overlapping with the prescribed area 80.

[0129] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and irradiated onto the identification portion of another vehicle 90 is reduced or zero, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and irradiated onto the identification portion of another vehicle 90 is also reduced or zero. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress dazzle for occupants of the other vehicle 90. Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment irradiates the second irradiation spot S2, which overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f, whose irradiation amount is reduced, and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Therefore, the light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated onto at least a portion of the area of the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f, whose irradiation amount is reduced, that does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Consequently, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can improve forward visibility compared to a case without the second lamp unit 20.

[0130] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when the area specifying unit 55 specifies the predetermined area 80, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f that overlap the predetermined area 80 and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80 does not change from the amount of light when the predetermined area 80 is not specified by the area specifying unit 55. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the control of the second lamp unit 20 by the control unit CO can be simplified compared to the case where the amount of light changes.

[0131] Furthermore, when the area determination unit 55 determines the predetermined area 80, the control unit CO may control the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 is increased, compared to a case where the predetermined area 80 is not determined by the area determination unit 55. The second illumination spot S2 overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f that overlap with the predetermined area 80 and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. In this case, compared to a case where the amount of light is not increased, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 irradiated onto at least a portion of the area that does not overlap with the predetermined area 80 in the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, where the amount of irradiated light is reduced, can be increased, thereby further improving visibility in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, when the area specifying unit 55 has not specified the predetermined area 80, the light intensity of the light is preferably a total light intensity obtained by adding the light intensity of the light from the first lamp unit 10 irradiated onto the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80, and the light intensity of the light from the second lamp unit. This configuration can prevent the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable in an area that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80.

[0132] In addition, as in the present embodiment, when at least one first irradiation spot overlaps with at least two second irradiation spots, the control unit CO may also control the second lamp unit 20 when the specified area 80 is not determined by the area determination unit 55, so that the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f overlapping with the specified area 80 and does not overlap with the specified area 80 and is closer to the specified area 80, emits more light.

[0133] For example, as in this embodiment, when a portion of the first irradiation spot S1f with a reduced light quantity overlaps with a portion of another first irradiation spot S1g adjacent to the first irradiation spot S1f, as shown in FIG. Figure 14As shown, the overlapping area SA of the first illumination spot S1f, where the amount of irradiated light has been reduced, that overlaps with the other first illumination spot S1g, is illuminated by light from the light-emitting element 13g corresponding to the other first illumination spot S1g. Here, in the irradiated illumination spot, the intensity of the light irradiated tends to decrease from the center toward the outer edge. Therefore, the intensity of the light irradiated into the overlapping area SA from the light-emitting element 13g corresponding to the other first illumination spot S1g tends to increase as it approaches the predetermined area 80. In the vehicle headlamp described above, the closer the second illumination spot S2, which overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, where the amount of irradiated light has been reduced, and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80, the higher the intensity of the light irradiated by the second illumination spot S2, the closer it is to the predetermined area 80. Therefore, for example, when the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spot S1f in which the amount of light of the irradiated light is reduced and does not overlap with the specified area 80 overlaps with the above-mentioned overlapping area SA, the intensity of the light in the overlapping area SA can be made uniform, and the situation in which the driver feels uncomfortable with the overlapping area SA can be suppressed.

[0134] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the area determination unit 55 has not determined the predetermined area 80, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, in this case, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by light including light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and light emitted from the second lamp unit. As described above, at least one first illumination spot overlaps with at least one second illumination spot. Therefore, the area illuminated by light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the area illuminated by light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 can overlap with each other. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the degree of freedom of the light intensity distribution in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH can be increased compared to the case described above where light from the second lamp unit 20 is not emitted. Furthermore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 can be reduced, or the number of light-emitting elements 23 can be reduced, compared to a case where the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by only the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated by the light-emitting elements 23 from becoming difficult to dissipate, and to prevent the light-emitting elements 23 from being overheated.

[0135] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment further includes a determination unit 50. This determination unit 50 determines, based on information from the detection device 110, whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition. 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 50 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined condition, the region determination unit 55 determines the predetermined region 80 as described above, and the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 are controlled by the control unit CO as described above. As the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, occupants of the other vehicle tend to be less likely to be dazzled. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress changes in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH while minimizing dazzle to occupants of other vehicles. Furthermore, the region determination unit 55 can determine the predetermined region 80 as described above when a signal indicating detection of another vehicle is input from the detection device 110, regardless of the determination by the determination unit 50. The vehicle headlamp 1 may not necessarily include the determination unit 50. In this case, for example, when detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 directly outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the area identification unit 55 .

[0136] (Second embodiment)

[0137] Next, the second embodiment as the first aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. Components identical or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0138] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment primarily in that the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. Therefore, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from that of the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control flow chart for the control unit of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the operation of the control unit CO in steps SP15 and SP16 is different. Therefore, steps SP15 and SP16 will be described, and the description of steps SP11 to SP14 and SP17 will be omitted.

[0139] (Step SP15)

[0140] In step SP15 of the present embodiment, the control unit CO controls the lamp units 10, 20, and 30 in such a manner that light is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the third lamp unit 30 and light is not emitted from the second lamp unit 20, so that high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a specified signal to the power supply circuit 60, causing the power supply circuit 60 to supply specified power to all the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, stop supplying power to all the light-emitting elements 23, and supply specified power to the light-emitting element 32a. Then, the control unit CO returns the control process to step SP11. Therefore, the first lamp unit 10 emits the same light as in step SP15 of the first embodiment, the third lamp unit 30 emits the same light as in step SP15 of the first embodiment, and the light from the second lamp unit 20 is not emitted. Therefore, the shape is formed to be the same as that in step SP15 of the first embodiment. Figure 11 The high beam light distribution pattern PH shown is the same as the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. In addition, the light intensity distribution of the area overlapping with the area 70 in the high beam light distribution pattern is the same as the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. Figure 11 In the illustrated high-beam light distribution pattern PH, the light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the region 70 is different.

[0141] (Step SP16)

[0142] In step SP16 of this embodiment, for example, Figure 13 、 Figure 14 When the region determination unit 55 forms the designated area 80 shown, the control unit CO controls the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h of the first lamp unit 10, similarly to the first embodiment. Therefore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13e to reduce the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e and S1f that overlap the designated area 80 compared to the amount emitted when emitting high beams. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13a to 13d, 13g, and 13h corresponding to the first illumination spots S1a to S1d, S1g, and S1h that do not overlap the designated area 80, so that the amount of light emitted from these light-emitting elements 13a to 13d, 13g, and 13h matches the amount emitted when emitting high beams. In this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e and 13f is zero.

[0143] Here, in this embodiment, when emitting high beam, the light from the second lamp unit 20 is not emitted. The control unit CO controls the light emitting element 23 so that the light amount of the light emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping with the predetermined area 80 is zero as when emitting high beam. Figure 14The control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2, which is shaded, so that the light-emitting element 23 emits light. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2, which does not overlap with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f overlapping the predetermined area 80, remains zero, as it does when high-beam emission is in progress. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 that adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23, and the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted by the driver of the power supply circuit 60. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2, which is shaded, so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 remains the same as the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 irradiating the second illumination spot S2 when high-beam emission is in progress.

[0144] Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit CO controls the third lamp unit 30 to emit light having the same specific light distribution pattern as the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when emitting high beam, regardless of the predetermined area 80 .

[0145] In this way, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 to form a lamp having an outer shape and a Figure 15 The light distribution pattern 200 shown is the same as that of the vehicle 200, and has a light distribution pattern in which the light intensity is reduced compared to when the high beam is emitted and the light reduction area 81 overlaps with the front windshield 91 as the identification part of the other vehicle 90. In addition, the light intensity distribution in this light distribution pattern is the same as that of the vehicle 200. Figure 15 The light distribution pattern 200 shown is different.

[0146] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and irradiated onto a portion visible to another vehicle 90 is reduced, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and irradiated onto a portion visible to another vehicle 90 is also reduced. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress dazzle for occupants of the other vehicle 90. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment irradiates light onto the second irradiation spot S2, which overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f, which have a reduced amount of irradiation, but does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Therefore, light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated onto at least a portion of the area of the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f, which have a reduced amount of irradiation, that does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Consequently, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, can improve forward visibility compared to a case without the second lamp unit 20.

[0147] Furthermore, although the first aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the first and second embodiments as examples, the first aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0148] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the first lamp unit 10 is described as a first lamp unit 10 that emits light from a plurality of light-emitting elements 13a to 13h in a manner that the first illumination spots S1a to S1h illuminated by the light from each light-emitting element 13a to 13h are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. However, the first lamp unit only needs to emit light from a plurality of light-emitting elements in a manner that the first illumination spots are arranged at least in the left-right direction. For example, the first lamp unit may emit light from a plurality of light-emitting elements in a manner that the first illumination spots are arranged in the vertical and left-right directions, or may emit light from a plurality of light-emitting elements in a manner that the first illumination spots are arranged in a plurality of columns in the left-right direction. As a structure of such a first lamp unit, for example, a structure having a plurality of light-emitting elements in which the light distribution pattern forming portion is arranged in a matrix can be cited.

[0149] In the first and second embodiments, the second lamp unit 20 is described as an example. The second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 23 that can individually change the amount of light emitted, and emits light from the plurality of light emitting elements 23 in a manner such that the second irradiation spots irradiated by the light from the respective light emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix. However, the second lamp unit 20 may also be Figure 16 The structure shown.

[0150] Figure 16 FIG is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second lamp unit of a modified example along the vertical direction. Figure 16 As shown, the second lamp unit 20 of this modification differs from the first lamp unit 10 of the above embodiment mainly in that it includes a light source 41 , a reflector 42 , a reflecting device 43 , and a light absorbing plate 45 as main components instead of the light distribution pattern forming portion 12 .

[0151] The light source 41 is a light emitting element that emits light. In this modification, the light source 41 is arranged so as to emit light forward. As the light source 41, for example, an LED can be cited.

[0152] The reflector 42 is configured to reflect light emitted from the light source 41 using a reflective surface 42r and direct the light toward a reflection control surface of a reflector 43, described later. In this modified example, the reflector 42 is a curved plate-like member, positioned to cover the light source 41 from the front. The surface of the reflector 42 facing the light source 41 is a reflective surface 42r. The reflective surface 42r is curved in a concave shape toward the side opposite the light source 41, for example, based on an ellipsoid of revolution. This surface focuses the light emitted from the light source 41 and directs it toward the reflection control surface.

[0153] The reflector 43 in this modified example is a so-called DMD (Digital Mirror Device), configured with a reflection control surface 43r that reflects incident light. The reflector 43 is configured so that the reflection control surface 43r faces forward, above the light source 41 and behind the reflector 42. Light emitted from the light source 41 and reflected by the reflector 42 is irradiated onto the reflection control surface 43r. The reflection control surface 43r is composed of a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix, each supported on a substrate in a tiltable manner. Each of these plurality of reflective elements can be individually switched between a first tilted state in which the light from the reflector 42 is reflected toward the projection lens 15, and a second tilted state in which the light from the reflector 42 is reflected toward the light absorption plate 45, described later. By controlling the tilting state of the reflective elements, this reflector 43 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern using light from the reflection control surface 43r toward the projection lens 15. Furthermore, by controlling the tilting state of these reflective elements over time, the intensity distribution of light in a predetermined light distribution pattern can be adjusted to a desired intensity distribution. Specifically, it can be understood that the multiple reflective elements of the reflective device 43 are arranged in a matrix so that the amount of light emitted toward the projection lens 15 can be individually changed. The reflective device 43 forms a predetermined light distribution pattern corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the reflective surfaces of the multiple reflective elements. Furthermore, the illumination spots of light emitted toward the projection lens 15 from the respective reflective elements of the reflective device 43 are arranged in a matrix.

[0154] The light-absorbing plate 45 is a plate-shaped member with light-absorbing properties, configured to convert most of the incident light into heat. In this variation, the light-absorbing plate 45 is positioned in front of and above the reflector 43. Light traveling from the reflection control surface 43r toward the light-absorbing plate 45 enters the plate, and most of this light is converted into heat. Examples of the light-absorbing plate 45 include a plate-shaped member made of a metal such as aluminum, with the surface subjected to a black anodizing process or the like.

[0155] Even with this structure, the second lamp unit 20, like the first and second embodiments, can reduce dazzle for occupants of other vehicles while improving visibility ahead. Furthermore, although not described here, the light distribution pattern forming portion may be, for example, an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) or a diffraction grating that diffracts incident light to produce a predetermined light distribution pattern. The first lamp unit 10 may also have this structure.

[0156] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 having the third lamp unit 30 is described as an example. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 may not have the third lamp unit 30. In addition, the structure of the third lamp unit 30 is not particularly limited. The third lamp unit 30 may be, for example, a parabolic lamp or a direct lens lamp, or may be a structure that cannot change the light distribution pattern of the emitted light. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the low beam is formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. However, the low beam may also be formed by the light emitted only from the third lamp unit 30.

[0157] In the first and second embodiments, the lamp units 10, 20, and 30 are described as examples each having a frame 16, 26, and 36. However, these lamp units 10, 20, and 30 may share a single frame, and the lamp chambers within the single frame may house components different from those of the frames of the respective lamp units 10, 20, and 30.

[0158] (Third embodiment)

[0159] Next, a third embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described. Components identical or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0160] Figure 17 FIG is a top view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp according to the present embodiment. Figure 17 As shown, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that it does not include the area specifying portion 55 , includes a memory ME separate from the control portion CO, and each lamp section 5 does not include the first lamp unit 10 .

[0161] When detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 of this embodiment outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the determination unit 50. Alternatively, the detection device 110 may output these signals directly to the control unit CO.

[0162] When another vehicle satisfies specified requirements, the determination unit 50 of this embodiment outputs a signal indicating the distance from vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to vehicle 100 to the control unit CO as a signal indicating the status of the other vehicle. Furthermore, the determination unit 50 stores this information indicating the distance and position in the memory ME, described later. This information stored in the memory ME is overwritten each time it is stored. Furthermore, when the other vehicle does not meet specified requirements, or when no signal is input to the determination unit 50 from the detection device 110, the determination unit 50 does not output a signal to the control unit CO.

[0163] The memory ME is configured to store information and to read 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0164] The memory ME stores a table associating information related to the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 with the status of other vehicles detected by the detection device 110. Examples of information related to the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 include information related to the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22. Examples of information related to the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 include information related to the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 when forming a low-beam light distribution pattern (described later), forming a high-beam light distribution pattern, forming a light distribution pattern corresponding to another vehicle, and changing a light distribution pattern corresponding to another vehicle to a high-beam light distribution pattern. Furthermore, examples of the status of other vehicles detected by the detection device 110 include the distance from the aforementioned vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. The memory ME also stores information related to the specified power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a of the third lamp unit 30, along with a reference value. The reference value is a value that is referred to by the control unit CO and rewritten by the control unit CO in the control of the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 described later. In the present embodiment, the reference value is either zero or 1, and the initial value is zero.

[0165] In this embodiment, when a signal indicating the emission of low beam is input from the light switch 120, the control unit CO refers to information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal to the power circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the low beam distribution pattern and the specified power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. Consequently, the driver of the power circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and supplies the specified power to the light-emitting element 32a. The vehicle headlamp 1 then emits light as low beam. The low beam distribution pattern PL of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0166] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. When a signal indicating the emission of high beams is input from the light switch 120, the control unit CO refers to the information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the high-beam light distribution pattern and the specified power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. Consequently, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and supplies the specified power to the light-emitting element 32a. The vehicle headlamp 1 then emits light that becomes high beams. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same as the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 when emitting low beams.

[0167] Figure 18 : is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the high beam of this embodiment. Figure 18 In FIG, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m in front of the vehicle 100 is represented by a thick line. Figure 18 In the figure, the area 70 that the second lamp unit 20 can irradiate light is indicated by a dotted line. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the area 70 is the same as that of the area 70 in the first embodiment, and is a rectangle that is long in the left-right direction. However, the area 70 in this embodiment is extended to the right, left, and upward compared to the area 70 in the first embodiment. That is, the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 and the projection lens 25 of the second lamp unit 20 are adjusted as described above. The area with the highest light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, namely the hot zone HZH, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and overlaps with the area 70. In addition, the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is approximately bilaterally symmetrical, and the left-right center of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is located at or near the vertical line V. In addition, although not specifically shown in the figure, the hot zone HZL in the low-beam light distribution pattern PL is included in the overlapping area 71 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL that overlaps with the area 70, as in the first embodiment.

[0168] In the present embodiment, when the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam, light is emitted from all the light-emitting elements 23 of the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, the light from the light-emitting elements 23 is irradiated onto the area 70. The intensity distribution of light in the area overlapping with the area 70 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH is, for example, a distribution in which the intensity decreases as the area is farther away from the hot zone HZH. In other words, the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted by the control unit CO so that the intensity of light in the area 70 becomes such a distribution, thereby adjusting the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23. In this way, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 by emitting light from the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30. In the present embodiment, based on the detection of other vehicles by the detection device 110, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the vehicle headlamp 1 is switched between the high beam light distribution pattern and the light distribution pattern corresponding to other vehicles.

[0169] Next, an operation of switching the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment between a high-beam light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern corresponding to other vehicles will be described. Figure 19 : is a diagram showing an example of a control flow chart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. Figure 19 As shown, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP21 to SP24.

[0170] (Step SP21)

[0171] The high beam is selected in the light switch 120, and a signal indicating the high beam is input to the control unit CO from the light switch 120. Figure 19 In the example, this state is the starting state. The reference value stored in the memory ME is the initial value zero.

[0172] In this step, the control unit CO determines, based on the signal input from the determination unit 50, whether the detection device 110 has detected another vehicle and whether the other vehicle satisfies specified requirements. As described above, when the detection device 110 detects another vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the determination unit 50. Furthermore, when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 satisfies specified requirements, the determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 to the control unit CO as a signal indicating the status of the other vehicle. Therefore, when the control unit CO receives the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50, it determines that the other vehicle satisfies the specified requirements and advances the control flow to step SP22. On the other hand, when the control unit CO does not receive the signal indicating the status of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50, it determines that the other vehicle does not satisfy the specified requirements and advances the control flow to step SP23. If the detection device 110 does not detect another vehicle, no signal indicating the state of the other vehicle is input to the determination unit 50, and no signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is input to the control unit CO. Therefore, even in this case, the control flow proceeds to step SP13.

[0173] (Step SP22)

[0174] In this step, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 so that the light distribution pattern emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 matches the light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicles detected by the detection device 110. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to a table stored in the memory ME based on a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicles and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicles relative to the vehicle 100. The control unit CO then outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information regarding the status of the other vehicles and the specified power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. Thus, to generate light with the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information regarding the status of the other vehicles, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and supplies the specified power to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, light with the specified light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The control unit CO then stores information about the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 in the memory ME, and rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to 1, causing the control flow to proceed to step SP24. Therefore, it can be understood that when the reference value is 1, the vehicle headlamp 1 is emitting light with a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle, and when the reference value is zero, the vehicle headlamp 1 is not emitting light with a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle.

[0175] Figure 20 1 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle as another vehicle is detected by the detection device 110. Figure 20 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 light distribution pattern 300 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is represented by a bold line.

[0176] In this embodiment, the shape of the light distribution pattern 300 is Figure 18The shape of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. However, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the prescribed area 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is less than the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 irradiated toward the area corresponding to the prescribed area 310 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the intensity of the light in the prescribed area 310 is lower than a predetermined reference intensity. In this embodiment, the intensity of light within the prescribed area 310 is substantially constant. Alternatively, the prescribed area 310 may be configured as an area where no light is irradiated. Thus, in the prescribed area 310, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is reduced compared to a case where the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle does not meet the predetermined requirements. On the other hand, the light intensity distribution in areas outside the prescribed area 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is substantially the same as the light intensity distribution in areas outside the area corresponding to the prescribed area 310 in the light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, areas outside the prescribed area 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 are areas where the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is not reduced and are brighter than the prescribed area 310. Furthermore, the light distribution pattern 300 is a light distribution pattern in which the light amount from the second lamp unit 20 is reduced in a predetermined area 310 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0177] The predetermined area 310 is located within the area 70 that can be illuminated by the light from the second lamp unit 20, and overlaps with the identification portion used by the driver of the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 to identify the outside of the vehicle. The predetermined area 310 preferably overlaps with the entire identification portion of the other vehicle. Figure 20 In the illustrated example, the predetermined area 310 has a rectangular shape that includes the entire other vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 110 , and the side mirrors and the rear window serving as recognition portions are present within the predetermined area 310 .

[0178] Next, step SP23 showing the operation of the control unit CO when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 does not satisfy the predetermined requirements will be described.

[0179] (Step SP23)

[0180] In this step, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a high beam. Furthermore, the control of the second lamp unit 20 by the control unit CO differs depending on whether the reference value stored in the memory ME is zero or 1. First, the case where the reference value stored in the memory ME is zero as an initial value will be described.

[0181] The control unit CO refers to a reference value stored in the memory ME. If the reference value is zero, it refers to information related to the high-beam light distribution pattern stored in the memory ME. Furthermore, as described above, the control unit CO outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the high-beam light distribution pattern and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. Thus, to generate light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23, and light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The control unit CO then advances the control flow to step SP24.

[0182] On the other hand, when the reference value is 1, as described above, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light in the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicle. Therefore, even if the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 does not meet the specified requirements or the other vehicle is not detected by the detection device 110, the vehicle headlamp 1 still emits light in the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicle. Such a state includes a situation where the other vehicle is not detected by the detection device 110. For example, if the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle, this could be a situation where the preceding vehicle and the vehicle 100 are traveling on an uphill road, but the preceding vehicle passes the top of the uphill slope and is no longer detected by the detection device 110. If the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, this could be a situation where the oncoming vehicle is no longer detected by the detection device 110, for example, because the oncoming vehicle enters a parking lot or is hidden behind a building.

[0183] As described above, when other vehicles meet the specified requirements, the determination unit 50 stores information indicating the distance from vehicle 100 to the other vehicles and the position of the other vehicles relative to vehicle 100 in the memory ME. Therefore, the memory ME stores information indicating the status of the other vehicles until the other vehicles no longer meet the specified requirements. The control unit CO refers to a reference value stored in the memory ME. When the reference value is 1, the control unit CO refers to a table stored in the memory ME based on the information indicating the status of the other vehicles stored in the memory ME. Furthermore, the control unit CO outputs a signal to the power circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 when the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the information indicating the status of the other vehicles is changed to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The control unit CO also outputs a signal to the power circuit 60 based on the specified power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. Consequently, the driver of the power circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so that the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the information indicating the status of the other vehicles is changed to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the specified power is supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicles changes to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, if the state of emitting light in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is set to the first state, and the state of emitting light in the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicles is set to the second state, it can be understood that the vehicle headlamp 1 has switched from the second state to the first state. The control unit CO then rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to zero, and the control flow proceeds to step SP24.

[0184] Figure 21 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in accordance with another vehicle of the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing an enlarged view of a predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300. Figure 21 The state shown is, for example, when ejecting Figure 20 When the vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle are traveling on an uphill road, the preceding vehicle passes the top of the uphill slope and is no longer detected by the detection device 110. In this embodiment, the light intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 is first increased over time. Figure 21 As shown, the light intensity in the region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to Figure 18The amount of light in the area corresponding to the area 311 in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam shown. That is, it can be understood that the area 311 is an area of light that returns to the state of the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, that is, the light amount in the first state. In this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the prescribed area 310 increases with the passage of time, so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the lower edge DE of the prescribed area 310 toward the upper side. In addition, the area 311 of light that returns to the first state is a rectangular area extending along the lower edge DE of the prescribed area 310. In addition, the shape of the area 311 is not particularly limited as long as the area 311 is connected to the lower edge DE. In addition, in Figure 21 In the figure, the area 311 is shaded for easier understanding.

[0185] Next, in areas of the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311 where the light intensity has returned to the first state, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time, so that the area 311 where the light intensity has returned to the first state expands upward. In this embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the farther away from the area 311, the lower the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20. Consequently, areas closer to the area 311 are maintained brighter than areas farther away from the area 311, and both areas become brighter over time. Then, the areas closer to the area 311 sequentially return to the light intensity of the first state, and these areas 311 expand. Furthermore, by having the entire predetermined area 310 become the area 311 where the light intensity has returned to the first state, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the high-beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0186] Furthermore, the area 311 in which the light intensity returns to the first state only needs to expand upward over time from the lower edge DE of the predetermined area 310. For example, when increasing the light intensity of the second lamp unit 20 over time in an area other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310, the light intensity may be increased in the entire area or in a portion of the area.

[0187] Thus, in this step, when the vehicle headlamp 1 is in the second state, the area 311 of light quantity that returns to the first state is expanded over time, and the area where the light quantity decreases is reduced over time, and the area where the light quantity decreases disappears, thereby switching the vehicle headlamp 1 from the second state to the first state.

[0188] (Step SP24)

[0189] In this step, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating high-beam emission is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP21. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60, causing the power supply circuit 60 to stop supplying power to each light-emitting element 23 and to stop supplying power to the light-emitting element 32a, thereby preventing the vehicle headlamp 1 from emitting light, and terminating this control.

[0190] Thus, in this embodiment, the state of the vehicle headlamp 1 is switched between a state of emitting high beam and a state of emitting light of a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle, depending on whether the other vehicle satisfies the prescribed requirements. Figure 19 The control flow shown.

[0191] However, Patent Document 2, while describing a vehicle headlamp switching from a first state emitting light having a predetermined light distribution pattern to a second state emitting light having a light distribution pattern with a light shielding region formed within the predetermined light distribution pattern, does not describe switching from the second state to the first state. For example, if the switch from the second state to the first state is instantaneous, the entire light shielding region may be suddenly illuminated with light, which may cause the driver to feel uncomfortable.

[0192] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a second lamp unit 20. The second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 that emit light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the light intensity emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements 23. The plurality of light-emitting elements 23 can individually change the light intensity of the emitted light and are arranged in a matrix. Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can switch between a first state in which it emits light with a predetermined light distribution pattern, i.e., high beam, and a second state in which the light intensity of the light distribution pattern 300 is reduced in a predetermined area 310 within the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined area 310 overlaps with an identification portion used by drivers of other vehicles to identify the exterior of the vehicle. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, by switching from the first state to the second state, dazzle can be suppressed for occupants of other vehicles. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the first state to the second state, the light intensity in a portion 311 of the predetermined area 310 returns to the light intensity in that portion 311 in the first state, and this portion 311 expands over time. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the brightness of the predetermined area 310 increases, starting with portion 311, and this brightened portion 311 expands over time. In other words, the area where the light intensity decreases decreases over time. Therefore, compared to a case where the vehicle headlamp 1 switches instantaneously from the second state to the first state, the driver's perception of discomfort with the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310 is minimized.

[0193] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the region 311 expands upward from the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310 over time. Objects that the driver should pay attention to include other vehicles as well as pedestrians and obstacles on the road. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the brightness of the predetermined region 310 can be increased starting from the side closest to the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, for example, if the predetermined region overlaps with a pedestrian or obstacle on the road, the driver can more quickly recognize the pedestrian or obstacle.

[0194] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the light intensity in areas other than area 311 within the predetermined area 310 increases over time, so that the light intensity decreases as it moves away from area 311. As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the light intensity in area 311 within the predetermined area 310 begins to brighten, and this brightened area 311 expands over time. Therefore, with this configuration, areas further away from the bright area within the predetermined area 310 become darker, making the boundary between bright and dark areas less noticeable. Consequently, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can further reduce the driver's discomfort with changes in brightness within the predetermined area 310.

[0195] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment further includes a determination unit 50. This determination unit 50 determines, based on information from the detection device 110, whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition. 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 50 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined condition, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 as described above. As the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, occupants of the other vehicle tend to be less likely to be dazzled. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress changes in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH when occupants of other vehicles are less likely to be dazzled. Furthermore, the control unit CO can control the second lamp unit 20 as described above, regardless of the determination by the determination unit 50, even when a signal indicating detection of another vehicle is input from the detection device 110. The vehicle headlamp 1 does not necessarily need to include the determination unit 50. In this case, for example, when another vehicle is detected, the detection device 110 directly outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the control unit CO, and stores information indicating the state of the other vehicle in the memory ME.

[0196] (Fourth embodiment)

[0197] Next, the fourth embodiment, which serves as the second aspect of the present invention, will be described in detail. Components identical or equivalent to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise specified, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the method for changing the amount of light in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. Figure 22 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 200 changes in accordance with another vehicle according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged view of a predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300 .

[0198] In this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the light intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 is increased over time. Figure 22 As shown, the light intensity in the region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to Figure 18 The light intensity in the area corresponding to region 311 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 increases over time, causing the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 to decrease downward from the upper edge UE of the predetermined area 310. Furthermore, the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state is a rectangular region extending along the upper edge UE of the predetermined area 310. The shape of the area 311 is not particularly limited, as long as it is in contact with the upper edge UE. Furthermore, in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 where the light intensity returns to the first state, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time, causing the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state to expand downward. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time, causing the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 to decrease as the distance from the area 311 increases. Therefore, the area close to the area 311 is maintained brighter than the area far from the area 311, and as time passes, both areas become brighter. Moreover, the area close to the area 311 sequentially returns to the area 311 of the light quantity in the first state, and the area 311 expands. Moreover, by setting the entire area 310 to become the area 311 of the light quantity returning to the first state, the second state is switched to the first state. In addition, in Figure 22 In the figure, the area 311 is shaded for easier understanding.

[0199] Furthermore, the area 311 in which the light intensity returns to the first state may simply expand over time from the upper edge UE toward the lower side of the predetermined area 310. For example, when increasing the light intensity of the second lamp unit 20 over time in an area other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310, the light intensity may be increased in the entire area or in a portion of the area.

[0200] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, as in the third embodiment, the brightness of the predetermined area 310 begins to increase from area 311, and this brightened area 311 expands over time. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort due to the change in brightness of the predetermined area 310.

[0201] In this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the area 311 expands downward from the upper edge UE of the predetermined area 310 over time, and thus begins to brighten from the upper side of the predetermined area 310. Here, the sign is located above the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, for example, if the predetermined area 310 overlaps with the sign, the driver can more quickly recognize the sign.

[0202] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the light intensity in areas other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310 increases over time, such that the light intensity decreases as the area becomes farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with changes in brightness within the predetermined area 310.

[0203] (Fifth embodiment)

[0204] Next, the fifth embodiment, which serves as the second aspect of the present invention, will be described in detail. Components identical or equivalent to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise specified, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the method for changing the amount of light in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. Figure 23 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in accordance with another vehicle according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged view of a predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300 .

[0205] In this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the light intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 is increased over time. Figure 23 As shown, the light intensity in the region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to Figure 18The light intensity in the area corresponding to region 311 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 increases over time, such that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the right edge RE of the predetermined area 310 toward the left. Furthermore, the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state is a rectangular area extending along the right edge RE of the predetermined area 310. The shape of area 311 is not particularly limited, as long as it is in contact with the right edge RE. Furthermore, in areas other than area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state in the predetermined area 310, the light intensity from the first lamp unit 10 is further increased over time, such that the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state expands toward the left. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time, such that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases as the distance from area 311 increases. Therefore, the area close to the area 311 is maintained brighter than the area far from the area 311, and both areas become brighter as time passes. Then, the area close to the area 311 sequentially returns to the light intensity of the first state, and the area 311 expands. Then, by setting the entire area 310 to become the area 311 with the light intensity returned to the first state, the second state is switched to the first state. In addition, Figure 23 In the figure, the area 311 is shaded for easier understanding.

[0206] When increasing the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 over time in the area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 , the amount of light may be increased in the entire area or in a portion of the area.

[0207] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, as in the third embodiment, the brightness of area 311 within the predetermined area 310 begins to increase, and this brightened area 311 expands over time. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort due to the change in brightness within the predetermined area 310.

[0208] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in areas other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310 increases over time so that the light intensity decreases as it moves away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with changes in brightness within the predetermined area 310.

[0209] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 expands from the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the left over time, thereby starting to brighten from the right side of the predetermined region 310. Therefore, compared to a case where the predetermined region 310 starts to brighten from both sides in the left-right direction, the adjustment of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 can be simplified, and the control of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 by the control unit CO can be simplified. Furthermore, to simplify the control of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 only needs to expand from one side of the predetermined region 310 toward the other side in the left-right direction over time. For example, the region 311 may also expand from the left edge LE of the predetermined region 310 toward the right over time. In addition, in this way, in a structure in which the area 311 expands from the edge of one side of the prescribed area 310 in the left-right direction toward the other side as time passes, when the prescribed area 310 overlaps with a sign located on the shoulder side and the area 311 expands from the edge of the side where the sign is located in the left-right direction, the driver can quickly identify the sign.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left-right center of the prescribed area 310 is located to the left of the vertical line V. As described above, since the left-right center of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is located on or near the vertical line V, the left-right center of the prescribed area 310 is offset to the left from the left-right center of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. Furthermore, when switching from the second state to the first state, the area 311 expands from the right edge RE of the prescribed area 310 toward the left. Furthermore, although not illustrated, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, if the left-right center of the prescribed area 310 is offset to the right from the left-right center of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, the area 311 expands from the left edge LE of the prescribed area 310 toward the right when switching from the second state to the first state. Therefore, it can be understood that the center of the prescribed area 310 is offset from the left-right center of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH toward the prescribed left-right side, and that the area 311 expands from the edge of the prescribed area 310 opposite the prescribed left-right side toward the prescribed side over time. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment having such a structure, when switching from the second state to the first state, the brightness can be increased starting from the side closest to the vertical line V passing through the center of the vehicle 100, of the two left and right sides of the predetermined area 310. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the driver's feeling of discomfort with the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310 can be further suppressed, compared to a case where the brightness is increased starting from the side farther from the vertical line V passing through the center of the vehicle 100, of the two left and right sides of the predetermined area 310.

[0211] (Sixth embodiment)

[0212] Next, the sixth embodiment, which serves as the second aspect of the present invention, will be described in detail. Components identical or equivalent to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise specified, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the method for changing the amount of light in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. Figure 24 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in accordance with another vehicle according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged view of a predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300 .

[0213] In this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the light intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 is increased over time. Figure 24 As shown, the light intensity in the region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to Figure 18 The light intensity in the area corresponding to region 311 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 increases over time, causing the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 to decrease from the entire circumference of the outer periphery formed by the upper, lower, left, and right edges UE, DE, LE, and RE of the predetermined area 310 toward the interior of the predetermined area 310. Furthermore, the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state is an annular area extending along the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. The shape of area 311 is not particularly limited, as long as it is continuous with the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. Furthermore, in areas of the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time, causing the area 311 where the light intensity returns to the first state to expand toward the interior of the predetermined area 310. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the farther away from the area 311, the lower the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, the area close to the area 311 is maintained brighter than the area far from the area 311, and both areas become brighter over time. Moreover, the area 311 in which the amount of light sequentially returns from the area close to the area 311 to the amount in the first state is expanded. Moreover, by specifying that the entire area 310 becomes the area 311 in which the amount of light returns to the first state, the switch from the second state to the first state is made. In addition, in Figure 24In the figure, the area 311 is shaded for easier understanding.

[0214] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 expands over time from the entire outer periphery of the prescribed area 310 toward the interior of the prescribed area 310. Therefore, the prescribed area 310 can be brightened more quickly than when the region 311 expands from a portion of the outer periphery of the prescribed area 310. This allows the driver to more quickly recognize signs, etc., that overlap with the prescribed area 310. Furthermore, compared to when the region 311 expands from a portion of the outer periphery of the prescribed area 310, this can reduce the driver's discomfort and provide a sense of security. Furthermore, the region 311 of light intensity returning to the first state only needs to expand over time from the entire outer periphery of the prescribed area 310 toward the interior of the prescribed area 310. For example, when increasing the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 over time in an area of the prescribed area 310 other than the region 311, the light intensity can be increased across the entire area or only within a portion of the area.

[0215] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, as in the third embodiment, the brightness of the predetermined area 310 begins to increase from area 311, and this brightened area 311 expands over time. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort due to the change in brightness of the predetermined area 310.

[0216] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the light intensity in areas other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310 increases over time, such that the light intensity decreases as the area becomes farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0217] Furthermore, the manner in which region 311 is expanded is not particularly limited. For example, region 311 may expand from the left and right edges LE and RE of predetermined region 310 toward the interior of predetermined region 310, or from the upper and lower edges UE and DE of predetermined region 310 toward the interior of predetermined region 310. Even when region 311 is expanded in this manner, as in the third embodiment, the driver's perception of discomfort with changes in brightness in predetermined region 310 can be suppressed.

[0218] (Seventh embodiment)

[0219] Next, a seventh embodiment, which serves as the second aspect of the present invention, will be described in detail. Components identical or equivalent to those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise specified, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, the method for changing the amount of light in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. Figure 25 This is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in accordance with another vehicle according to the present embodiment, and is an enlarged view of a predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300 .

[0220] In this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the light intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 is increased over time. Figure 25 As shown, the light intensity in the region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to Figure 18 The light intensity in the area corresponding to region 311 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. However, in this embodiment, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 increases over time, causing the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 to decrease from the inner side of the predetermined area 310 toward the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. Furthermore, region 311, where the light intensity has returned to the first state, is located inward of the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310 and is a rectangular region overlapping the center of the predetermined area 310. Region 311 is not particularly limited in shape or position, as long as it is separated from the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. Furthermore, in areas of the predetermined area 310 other than region 311 where the light intensity has returned to the first state, the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time, causing region 311, where the light intensity has returned to the first state, to expand toward the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the farther away from the area 311, the lower the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, the area close to the area 311 is maintained brighter than the area far from the area 311, and both areas become brighter over time. Moreover, the area 311 in which the amount of light sequentially returns from the area close to the area 311 to the area in the first state expands. Then, by specifying that the entire area 310 becomes the area 311 in which the amount of light returns to the area in the first state, the second state is switched to the first state. In addition, in Figure 25 In the figure, the area 311 is shaded for easier understanding.

[0221] Furthermore, the area 311 in which the light intensity returns to the first state may simply expand over time from the inner side of the predetermined area 310 toward the outer side of the predetermined area 310. For example, when increasing the light intensity of the second lamp unit 20 over time in an area other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310, the light intensity may be increased in the entire area or in a portion of the area.

[0222] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, as in the third embodiment, the brightness of area 311 within the predetermined area 310 begins to increase, and this brightened area 311 expands over time. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort due to the change in brightness within the predetermined area 310.

[0223] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the light intensity in areas other than the area 311 within the predetermined area 310 increases over time, such that the light intensity decreases as the area becomes farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort with the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the speed at which region 311 expands downward is approximately the same as the speed at which region 311 expands upward, but may also be faster than the speed at which region 311 expands upward. This configuration allows the lower portion of predetermined region 310 to become brighter faster than the upper portion when switching from the second state to the first state. Therefore, with this vehicle headlamp, for example, if predetermined region 310 overlaps with a pedestrian or obstacle on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can more quickly identify the pedestrian or obstacle.

[0225] Alternatively, the speed at which the area 311 expands upwards may be faster than the speed at which the area 311 expands downwards. With this configuration, when switching from the second state to the first state, the upper side of the predetermined area 310 can be brightened faster than the lower side. Therefore, with this vehicle headlamp, for example, when switching from the second state to the first state, if the predetermined area 310 overlaps with a sign, the driver can more quickly recognize the sign.

[0226] In this embodiment, the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 coincides with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. However, the upper side of the outer periphery of the region 311 may coincide with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 before the lower side. Alternatively, the lower side of the outer periphery of the region 311 may coincide with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 before the upper side.

[0227] Furthermore, although the second aspect of the present invention has been described by taking the third to seventh embodiments as examples, the second aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0228] For example, in the second embodiment, the second lamp unit 20 may also be as described above. Figure 16 The structure shown.

[0229] In the third to seventh embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 including the third lamp unit 30 is described as an example. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 may not include the third lamp unit 30. In this case, for example, by increasing the number of light-emitting elements 23, the area 70 that can be illuminated by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 is expanded, and the light from the second lamp unit 20 can be used to form a high-beam light distribution pattern, a low-beam light distribution pattern, and a light distribution pattern corresponding to other vehicles. The structure of the third lamp unit 30 is not particularly limited. For example, the third lamp unit 30 may be a parabolic lamp.

[0230] In the third to seventh embodiments, the lamp units 20 and 30 are described as examples each having a frame 26 and 36. However, these lamp units 20 and 30 may share a single frame, and components other than the frame of each lamp unit 20 and 30 may be housed within a lamp chamber of the single frame.

[0231] In the third to seventh embodiments, the descriptions are based on an example of a predetermined region 310 that is not connected to the outer edge of the light distribution pattern 300. However, the predetermined region 310 may also be connected to the outer edge of the light distribution pattern 300. Furthermore, the intensity of light in the predetermined region 310 may vary, for example, depending on the distance from the vehicle 100 to another vehicle. Furthermore, the width of the predetermined region 310 in the left-right direction may also vary, for example, depending on the distance from the vehicle 100 to another vehicle.

[0232] Furthermore, in the third to seventh embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 is described as an example, which can be switched between a first state in which light of a high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted, and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern 200 with a reduced light intensity in a predetermined region 310 of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 only needs to be switchable between a first state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted, and a second state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern with a reduced light intensity in a predetermined region of the predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted.

[0233] In the third to seventh embodiments, the case where the detection device 110 detects a preceding vehicle as another vehicle is described as an example. However, the third to seventh embodiments can also be applied to the case where the detection device 110 detects an oncoming vehicle as another vehicle.

[0234] In the third to seventh embodiments, the control unit CO controls the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 by referring to a table stored in the memory ME. However, the control unit CO may calculate information related to the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 based on information input from the determination unit 50, and control the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 based on this information.

[0235] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided that can suppress dazzle to passengers of other vehicles and improve visibility in front of the vehicle. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle headlamp is provided that can suppress the driver's feeling of discomfort and can be used in the field of vehicle headlamps such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp, characterized in that: have: a first lamp unit including a plurality of first light emitting portions capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted, the plurality of first light emitting portions emitting light in such a manner that first irradiation spots irradiated by light from the respective first light emitting portions are aligned at least in the left-right direction; a second lamp unit including a plurality of second light emitting portions capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted, the light from the plurality of second light emitting portions being emitted in a manner such that second illumination spots illuminated by the light from each of the second light emitting portions are arranged in a matrix; an area specifying unit that specifies, based on a signal indicating a state of another vehicle from a detection device that detects another vehicle located ahead of the vehicle, a predetermined area that overlaps with a recognition unit used by a driver of the other vehicle to recognize the exterior of the vehicle; Control Department; The second illumination spot is smaller than the first illumination spot, and at least one of the first illumination spots overlaps with at least one of the second illumination spots. As for the control unit, When the predetermined area is not determined by the area determination unit, the first lamp unit is controlled so that light is emitted from at least the first lamp unit. When the area determination unit determines the prescribed area, the first lamp unit is controlled so that the amount of light emitted from the first light emitting portion corresponding to the first irradiation spot overlapping the prescribed area is reduced, and the second lamp unit is controlled so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting portion corresponding to the second irradiation spot overlapping the prescribed area is reduced or becomes zero, and light is emitted from the second light emitting portion corresponding to the second irradiation spot overlapping the prescribed area and not overlapping the prescribed area. When the specified area is determined by the area determination unit, the control unit controls the second lamp so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot overlapping with the specified area and does not overlap with the specified area is increased compared to a case where the specified area is not determined by the area determination unit.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first illumination spots overlaps with at least two of the second illumination spots, When the specified area is determined by the area determination unit, the control unit controls the second lamp unit so that the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot overlapping with the specified area and does not overlap with the specified area, emits more light.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the predetermined area is not specified by the area specifying unit, the control unit controls the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit so that the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit emit light.

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