Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (20) is provided with a first light source portion (41), a second light source portion (61), a temperature sensor (47), and a control portion (110). The control portion (110) controls the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements (43) so that the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of at least a region (911) in the first light distribution pattern (400) is reduced compared to before the temperature derating, in a case where the first light source portion (41) is temperature derated based on the temperature in a state where a low beam light distribution pattern (910) is formed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle headlamp. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is known a vehicle headlamp that has a light source section including a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode) and a circuit board on which the light emitting element is mounted, and a temperature sensor such as a thermistor mounted on the circuit board. In such a light source section, the greater the electric power supplied to the light emitting element, the greater the light emission amount and the heat generation amount of the light emitting element, and the greater the temperature of the light emitting element. Heat from the light emitting element is transmitted to the circuit board, and the temperature of the circuit board is estimated by the temperature sensor. In a case where the estimated temperature is equal to or higher than a prescribed value, a control section of the vehicle headlamp sometimes performs temperature derating, that is, reduces the electric power supplied to the light emitting element in accordance with the temperature. By the temperature derating, the light source section is protected from heat, and the reliability of the light source section is ensured.

[0003] However, in a case where frame bodies of mutually different shapes respectively house the light source section and the temperature sensor, if the light emitting elements of the respective light source sections are lit with the same electric power, the estimated temperature sometimes differs among the respective frame bodies. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1, the electric power supplied in accordance with the temperature is set on the basis of software such as an arbitrary function or table, and the temperature derating suitable for the light source section is performed by a change in the software.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-91730 SUMMARY

[0005] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] In the light source section, a structure in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged is also cited, and as such a light source section, for example, an LED array or a micro LED array can be cited. In such a light source section, light projected to the front of the vehicle by light emitted from the respective light emitting elements projects a light distribution pattern. If the temperature derating is performed on such a light source section, even if the light emitting elements of which the supplied electric power is reduced are only a part of the light emitting elements, there is a case where the light distribution pattern is darkened, and the visibility of the front is reduced.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing a reduction in the visibility of the front in a case where temperature derating is performed.

[0008] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] To achieve the above object, a vehicle headlamp according to a first aspect of the present application is characterized by comprising: a first light source portion having a plurality of light emitting elements, the plurality of light emitting elements being arranged in a matrix shape in a manner that irradiation regions of respective first light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements toward a front are arranged in a matrix shape; a second light source portion that emits second light; a control portion that forms a low beam distribution pattern from a first distribution pattern and a second distribution pattern, the first distribution pattern being formed from at least a part of the first light, the second distribution pattern being formed from the second light, the low beam distribution pattern including a first region in which a part of the first distribution pattern overlaps with a part of the second distribution pattern, and a second region in which another part of the first distribution pattern does not overlap with the second distribution pattern, the second region being continuous with the first region and positioned above the first region, the control portion controlling electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements individually so that an amount of light of the first light irradiating at least a part of the first region in the first distribution pattern is reduced compared to before the temperature derating, in a state in which the low beam distribution pattern is formed, in a case in which the temperature derating is performed on the first light source portion based on a temperature of the first light source portion.

[0010] In the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, in the low beam distribution pattern, the first light and the second light are irradiated in the first region. Therefore, in a case in which the temperature derating is performed, in the first region, even if the amount of light of the first light is reduced as described above, compared to a case in which the first light does not irradiate the first region, it is possible to suppress a decrease in luminance of the low beam distribution pattern, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility of the front.

[0011] Further, in the vehicle headlamp according to the first aspect, the control portion can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements individually so that the amount of light of the first light irradiating at least a part of the first region is reduced compared to before the temperature derating, and the amount of light of the first light irradiating at least a part of the first region is reduced more than the amount of light of the first light irradiating at least a part of the second region, in a case in which the temperature derating is performed on the first light source portion in a state in which the low beam distribution pattern is formed.

[0012] For example, an upper edge of the second region sometimes forms a part of a cut-off line in the low beam distribution pattern. According to the above-described structure, compared to a case in which the amount of light of the first light irradiating the second region is reduced more than the amount of light of the first light irradiating the first region, it is possible to suppress a decrease in luminance on the cut-off line side, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility of the front. Further, in a case in which the first region is larger than the second region, according to the above-described structure, compared to a case in which the first region is smaller than the second region, it is possible to suppress an increase in temperature of the first light source portion.

[0013] Also, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control section can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements so that the light amount of the first light irradiating at least a part of the second region decreases later than the light amount of the first light irradiating at least a part of the first region in a case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section in a state where the low beam distribution pattern is formed.

[0014] For example, the upper edge of the second region sometimes forms a part of the cut-off line in the low beam distribution pattern. According to the above-described structure, the start of the reduction in the brightness on the cut-off line side can be delayed compared to a case where the light amount of the first light irradiating the second region decreases earlier than the light amount of the first light irradiating the first region. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut-off line can be delayed.

[0015] Also, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control section can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements so that the light amount of the first light irradiating at least a part of the second region decreases later than the light amount of the first light irradiating at least a part of the first region in a case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section in a state where the low beam distribution pattern is formed.

[0016] For example, the upper edge of the second region sometimes forms a part of the cut-off line in the low beam distribution pattern. According to the above-described structure, the start of the reduction in the brightness on the cut-off line side can be delayed compared to a case where the light amount of the first light irradiating the second region decreases earlier than the light amount of the first light irradiating the first region. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut-off line can be delayed.

[0017] Also, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control section can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements so that the light amount of the first light irradiating at least a part of the second region decreases later than the light amount of the first light irradiating at least a part of the first region in a case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section in a state where the low beam distribution pattern is formed.

[0018] There is a tendency for the driver's line of sight of the vehicle to concentrate on the hot zone side compared to the peripheral edge side of the first distribution pattern. According to the above-described structure, the reduction in the brightness on the hot zone side where the driver's line of sight concentrates can be suppressed compared to a case where the light amount decreases from the peripheral edge side of the first distribution pattern toward the hot zone.

[0019] In addition, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect can further include a third light source portion that emits third light, the low beam light distribution pattern can be formed by the first light distribution pattern, the second light distribution pattern, and a third light distribution pattern formed by the third light, at least a portion of the second region can overlap a portion of the third light distribution pattern in the low beam light distribution pattern, and the control portion can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements so that the amount of the first light that irradiates at least a portion of the first region and a third region of the second region that overlaps the portion of the third light distribution pattern is reduced more than the amount of the first light that irradiates at least a portion of the third region when the temperature derating is performed on the first light source portion in a state in which the low beam light distribution pattern is formed.

[0020] In the low beam light distribution pattern, the first light and the second light can be irradiated in the first region, and the first light and the third light can be irradiated in the third region. According to the above-described configuration, when the temperature derating is performed, even if the amount of the first light is reduced, the decrease in the luminance of the low beam light distribution pattern can be suppressed compared to a case in which the second light does not irradiate the first region and a case in which the third light does not irradiate the third region. Thus, the decrease in the visibility of the front can be suppressed.

[0021] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control portion can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements so that the amount of the first light that irradiates at least a portion of the first region is reduced more than the amount of the first light that irradiates at least a portion of the third region when the temperature derating is performed on the first light source portion in a state in which the low beam light distribution pattern is formed.

[0022] Because the third region is located above the first region, there is a tendency for the driver's line of sight to be concentrated toward the third region compared to the first region. According to the above-described configuration, compared to a case in which the amount of light of the first region is reduced more than the amount of light of the third region, the decrease in the luminance of the third region in the low beam light distribution pattern in which the driver's line of sight is concentrated can be suppressed, and the decrease in the visibility of the front can be suppressed.

[0023] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control portion can control the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements so that the amount of the first light that irradiates at least a portion of the third region is reduced later than the amount of the first light that irradiates at least a portion of the first region when the temperature derating is performed on the first light source portion in a state in which the low beam light distribution pattern is formed.

[0024] In a case where the light distribution pattern of the high beam is formed in a state where the third region is larger than the first region, there is a tendency for the driver's line of sight to concentrate toward the third region compared to the first region. In a case where the third region is larger than the first region, according to the above-described configuration, compared to a case where the light quantity decreases from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern toward the upper edge side, the start of the decrease in the brightness of the third region where the driver's line of sight concentrates can be delayed, and the decrease in visibility in the third region can be delayed.

[0025] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control section, in a case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section in a state where the light distribution pattern of the high beam is formed, can control the electric power supplied to each of the plurality of light emitting elements such that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern contained in the third region toward the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern contained in the first region.

[0026] In a case where the light distribution pattern of the high beam is formed, there is a tendency for the driver's line of sight to concentrate toward the third region compared to the first region. According to the above-described configuration, compared to a case where the light quantity decreases from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern toward the upper edge side, the decrease in the brightness of the third region where the driver's line of sight concentrates in the light distribution pattern of the high beam can be suppressed, and the decrease in visibility in the third region can be suppressed.

[0027] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control section, in a case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section in a state where the light distribution pattern of the high beam is formed, can control the electric power supplied to each of the plurality of light emitting elements such that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern decreases from the hot zone side of the light distribution pattern of the high beam toward the peripheral edge side of the first light distribution pattern.

[0028] There is a tendency for the driver's line of sight to concentrate toward the hot zone side compared to the peripheral edge side of the first light distribution pattern. According to the above-described configuration, compared to a case where the light quantity decreases from the peripheral edge side of the first light distribution pattern toward the hot zone, the decrease in the brightness of the hot zone side where the driver's line of sight concentrates can be suppressed.

[0029] In addition, in order to achieve the above-described object, a second aspect of the present application provides a vehicle headlamp including: a light source section including a plurality of light emitting elements; and a control section that controls electric power supplied to each of the light emitting elements, the control section, in a case where temperature derating is performed on the light source section based on the temperature of the light source section, decreasing the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements that are driven at a second electric power that is larger than a first electric power from the second electric power to below the first electric power, and increasing the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements that are driven at a third electric power that is below the first electric power.

[0030] According to the above-described structure, in a case where the control section performs temperature derating on the light source section, the power of at least a part of the light emitting elements driven at the second power is reduced from the second power to below the first power. Therefore, the light source section is protected from heat from the light emitting elements, but there is a tendency for the light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the light source section to become dark. Therefore, in the above-described structure, the control section increases the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven at the third power in a case where the control section performs temperature derating on the light source section. If the power is increased, the light distribution pattern can be brightened. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility in front.

[0031] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section can increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven at the third power to the first power in a case where the control section performs the temperature derating on the light source section.

[0032] According to the above-described structure, the light distribution pattern is brightened compared to a case where the power is not increased to the first power, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility in front.

[0033] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section can increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven at the third power to the first power in a case where the control section performs the temperature derating on the light source section.

[0034] According to the above-described structure, the light distribution pattern is brightened compared to a case where the power is not increased to the first power, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility in front.

[0035] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section can increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven at the third power to the first power in a case where the control section performs the temperature derating on the light source section.

[0036] If the power remains higher than the first power, the temperature of the light source section increases. According to the above-described structure, if a certain time has elapsed, the power is reduced to below the first power, and therefore the temperature of the light source section decreases, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the light source section.

[0037] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section can increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven at the third power to the first power in a case where the control section performs the temperature derating on the light source section.

[0038] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section, in the case where the light source section is subjected to the temperature derating, can increase the amount of increase in the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the third electric power, the greater the amount of decrease in the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the second electric power.

[0039] According to the above-described structure, the light distribution pattern can be brightened, the greater the amount of decrease in the electric power and the smaller the amount of increase in the electric power.

[0040] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section, in the case where the light source section is subjected to the temperature derating, can increase the amount of increase in the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the third electric power, before the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the second electric power is decreased from the second electric power to below the first electric power.

[0041] According to the above-described structure, the light distribution pattern is brightened by the increase in the electric power from the third electric power before the light distribution pattern is darkened due to the decrease in the electric power from the second electric power to below the first electric power. Therefore, compared to a case where the light distribution pattern is brightened after being darkened, the light distribution pattern can be prevented from being darker than before the temperature derating of the light source section, and the decrease in the visibility can be suppressed.

[0042] Alternatively, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the control section, in the case where the light source section is subjected to the temperature derating after the intensity distribution of the light in the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light source section is changed, can decrease the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the second electric power to below the first electric power, and increase the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the third electric power before the intensity distribution of the light is changed.

[0043] According to the above-described structure, in the case where the control section subjects the light source section to the temperature derating after the intensity distribution of the light is changed, although the light source section is not affected by the heat from the light emitting elements, the light distribution pattern has a tendency to be darkened. Therefore, in the above-described structure, in the case where the control section subjects the light source section to the temperature derating after the intensity distribution of the light is changed, the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements driven by the third electric power is increased before the intensity distribution of the light is changed. If the electric power is increased, the light distribution pattern can be brightened. Therefore, compared to a case where the electric power is not increased in the case where the control section subjects the light source section to the temperature derating after the intensity distribution of the light is changed, the decrease in the visibility in front can be suppressed.

[0044] As described above, according to the present application, a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing the decrease in the visibility in front in the case where the temperature derating is performed can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a top view of a vehicle, conceptually representing a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 It is a general representation Figure 1 A side view of the first lamp of the first embodiment shown.

[0047] Figure 3 It is a general representation Figure 2 The front view of the first light source and temperature sensor shown.

[0048] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the first light distribution pattern of the first embodiment formed by the first light emitted from the first lamp.

[0049] Figure 5 It is a general representation Figure 1 A side view of the second lamp of the first embodiment shown.

[0050] Figure 6 It is a general representation Figure 5 The front view of the second light source and the light shield shown.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the second light distribution pattern of the first embodiment formed by the second light emitted from the second lamp.

[0052] Figure 8 It is a general representation Figure 1 A side view of the third lamp of the first embodiment shown.

[0053] Figure 9 It is a general representation Figure 8 The front view of the third light source unit shown.

[0054] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the third light distribution pattern of the first embodiment formed by the third light emitted from the third lamp.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a control flow chart of the control unit in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the low beam in the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the high beam in the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 14is a front view schematically showing a second light source portion and a light shield cover of a first modification of the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 15 is a view showing a second light distribution pattern formed by second light emitted from a second luminaire of the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 16 is a view showing a low beam light distribution pattern of the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0061] Figure 17 is a view showing a high beam light distribution pattern of the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0062] Figure 18 is a front view schematically showing a second light source portion and a light shield cover of a second modification of the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 19 is a view showing a second light distribution pattern formed by second light emitted from a second luminaire of the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 20 is a view showing a low beam light distribution pattern of the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 21 is a view showing a high beam light distribution pattern of the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 22 is a front view schematically showing a light source portion and a temperature sensor of a second embodiment as a second aspect of the present application.

[0067] Figure 23 is a view showing an example of a duty ratio of each light emitting element in a state in which a vehicle is traveling straight.

[0068] Figure 24 is a view showing a relationship between a temperature of a light source portion and a duty ratio.

[0069] Figure 25 is a view showing an example of a control flowchart of a control portion of the second embodiment.

[0070] Figure 26 is a view showing an example of a duty ratio of each light emitting element in step SP32 in a state in which a vehicle is traveling straight.

[0071] Figure 27 is a view showing an example of a duty ratio of each light emitting element in step SP33 in a state in which a vehicle is traveling straight.

[0072] Figure 28is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element in the state where the vehicle is straight ahead.

[0073] Figure 29 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element in the step SP32 in the state where the vehicle is turning left.

[0074] Figure 30 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element in the step SP33 in the state where the vehicle is turning left.

[0075] Figure 31 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element after the temperature derating at the time of changing the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern when switching from the state where the vehicle is straight ahead to the state where the vehicle is turning left.

[0076] Figure 32 is a graph showing another example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element after the temperature derating at the time of changing the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern when switching from the state where the vehicle is straight ahead to the state where the vehicle is turning left.

[0077] Figure 33 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element of the third embodiment as the second mode of the application in the state where the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle is lower than a prescribed distance.

[0078] Figure 34 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element after the temperature derating in the state where the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle is lower than a prescribed distance.

[0079] Figure 35 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element in the state where the vehicle is in rainy weather.

[0080] Figure 36 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratio of each light emitting element after the temperature derating in the state where the vehicle is in rainy weather. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle headlamp of the application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are for easy understanding of the application, and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the application. The application can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, the constituent elements of each of the embodiments exemplified below can be appropriately combined. Note that in the accompanying drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component are sometimes changed for easy understanding.

[0082] (First Embodiment)

[0083] The first embodiment as the first mode of the application will be described.Figure 1 is a plan view conceptually showing the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment. The vehicle 10 is provided with a vehicle headlamp 20, a detection device 150, and a vehicle light switch 200. The vehicle headlamp 20 of the present embodiment is provided as a headlamp for an automobile. The vehicle headlamp 20 is provided with a pair of left and right lamp units 30 disposed at the front portion of the vehicle 10, a control section 110 that controls the pair of lamp units 30, and a storage section 130. Note that, in the present specification, "right" refers to the right side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10, and "left" refers to the left side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10.

[0084] In the pair of lamp units 30, each lamp unit 30 is provided as the same structure except that the shapes are substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, the structure of each lamp unit 30 will be described below using one lamp unit 30.

[0085] The lamp unit 30 is provided with a first lamp 40, a second lamp 60, and a third lamp 80 arranged in the horizontal direction. The second lamp 60 is disposed at the most central side of the vehicle 10, the third lamp 80 is disposed at the most outer side of the vehicle 10, and the first lamp 40 is disposed between the second lamp 60 and the third lamp 80. The arrangement order of the lamps 40, 60, and 80 is not particularly limited.

[0086] Next, the structure of the first lamp 40 will be described with reference to Figure 2 The first lamp 40 will be described. Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing the first lamp 40. The first lamp 40 is provided with a first light source section 41 that emits first light toward the front, a temperature sensor 47 disposed at the first light source section 41, a projection lens 49 disposed in front of the first light source section 41, and a frame 51 that houses the first light source section 41, the temperature sensor 47, and the projection lens 49. In Figure 2 , the frame 51 is shown in a schematic cross section in the vertical direction of the first lamp 40.

[0087] The frame 51 is provided with a lamp housing 51a, a front cover 51b, and a rear cover 51c. The front cover 51b is fixed to the lamp housing 51a in a manner so as to close an opening in the front of the lamp housing 51a. Further, an opening smaller than the front is formed in the rear of the lamp housing 51a, and the rear cover 51c is fixed to the lamp housing 51a in a manner so as to close the opening. In this way, a lamp chamber 51d surrounded by the lamp housing 51a, the front cover 51b, and the rear cover 51c is formed in the frame 51. The first light source section 41, the temperature sensor 47, and the projection lens 49 are disposed in the lamp chamber 51d. The lamp housing 51a and the rear cover 51c are composed of resin, for example. The front cover 51b is composed of a material having light transmissivity, and the first light emitted from the first light source section 41 passes through the projection lens 49 and the front cover 51b.

[0088] Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing Figure 2A front view of the first light source section 41 and the temperature sensor 47 is shown. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first light source section 41 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 43 that emit first light that is white light, and a circuit board 45 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 43 are mounted. As each light emitting element 43, an LED or an LD can be cited. Such light emitting elements 43 are arranged in a matrix shape and in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The light emitting elements 43 are arranged in 96 in the left-right direction and in 32 in the up-down direction, but the number is not particularly limited. These light emitting elements 43 are micro-LEDs, and preferably a so-called micro-LED array. The shape of the emission surface of each light emitting element 43 is substantially the same size and is a square shape, but is not particularly limited. Each light emitting element 43 can also be an LED or an LD that emits light of a wavelength different from each other.

[0089] If each light emitting element 43 is independently supplied with power from a power supply section not shown via the circuit board 45, it emits first light, and if it emits first light, it generates heat. The heat of each light emitting element 43 is transferred to the circuit board 45. The greater the power supplied, the greater the amount of light emitted and the amount of heat generated by each light emitting element 43, and the greater the temperature of the first light source section 41. Note that the amount of heat generated by the circuit board 45 is very small compared to the amount of heat generated by each light emitting element 43 as a whole, and therefore the temperature of the first light source section 41 is considered to be the temperature based on the amount of heat generated by each light emitting element 43 as a whole.

[0090] The temperature sensor 47 is mounted to the circuit board 45 and estimates the temperature of the first light source section 41. As such a temperature sensor 47, for example, a thermistor can be cited. The temperature sensor 47 is electrically connected to the control section 110 and outputs a temperature signal related to the estimated temperature to the control section 110. The temperature sensor 47 of the present embodiment is disposed away from each light emitting element 43, and until the heat of each light emitting element 43 is transferred to the temperature sensor 47, the temperature of the heat sometimes drops. Therefore, the control section 110 can also estimate the temperature of the first light source section 41 based on the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 47 and the distance between each light emitting element 43 and the temperature sensor 47. In addition, the control section 110 can also estimate the temperature of the first light source section 41 based on the amount of power of each light emitting element 43.

[0091] As for the structure and mounting position of the temperature sensor 47, there is no particular limitation as long as the temperature sensor 47 can estimate the temperature of the first light source section 41. For example, the temperature sensor 47 can be mounted to each light emitting element 43, or to another circuit board that is electrically connected to the circuit board 45.

[0092] The projection lens 49 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the first light incident to the projection lens 49. In the projection lens 49, the entrance surface is convex toward the rear, and the exit surface is convex toward the front. The rear focal point of the projection lens 49 is located on or near the exit surface of any one of the light emitting elements 43. The first light whose divergence angle is adjusted by the projection lens 49 is emitted from the first light fixture 40 toward the front of the vehicle 10 through the front cover 51b of the frame 51.

[0093] Next, with reference to Figure 4 , the first light distribution pattern 400 formed by the first light emitted from the first light fixture 40 will be described. Figure 4 is a view that shows the first light distribution pattern 400 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 10. In Figure 4 , S indicates a horizontal line, and V indicates a vertical line that passes through the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10.

[0094] The first light distribution pattern 400 includes irradiation regions 401a on which the first light emitted from the respective light emitting elements 43 is irradiated. Since the plurality of light emitting elements 43 are disposed in a matrix shape, the irradiation regions 401a are disposed in a matrix shape. Each irradiation region 401a corresponds to one light emitting element 43. The relative positions of a specific light emitting element 43 among the plurality of light emitting elements 43 and a specific irradiation region 401a among the plurality of irradiation regions 401a corresponding to the specific light emitting element 43 are reversed up, down, left, and right. In Figure 4 , for ease of understanding, the number of irradiation regions 401a is less than the number of light emitting elements 43. The irradiation region 401a corresponds to the shape of the exit surface of the light emitting element 43.

[0095] In Figure 4 , for ease of understanding, adjacent irradiation regions 401a are in contact with each other, but overlap each other. In Figure 4 , a region formed by all of the irradiation regions 401a is indicated as an irradiation region 401b, and the irradiation region 401b is a region in which the first light fixture 40 can irradiate the first light. The irradiation region 401b is a long rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction, and overlaps the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The upper edge of the irradiation region 401b is located above the horizontal line S and extends in the horizontal direction. In addition, the lower edge of the irradiation region 401b is located below the horizontal line S and extends in the horizontal direction. The position or direction of the light emitting element 43, or the like, is adjusted so that the irradiation region 401b is disposed as described above.

[0096] Note that the adjacent irradiation regions 401a can be continuous with each other or can be separated from each other with a gap. However, the plurality of irradiation regions 401a are preferably arranged without a gap in a matrix shape. In addition, the size or shape of the irradiation region 401a is not particularly limited, and the size or shape of each irradiation region 401a can be different from each other.

[0097] The size and shape of the first light distribution pattern 400 vary depending on the light emitting element 43 from which the first light is emitted. In addition, the intensity distribution of the first light in the first light distribution pattern 400 is adjusted by adjusting the light emission amount of each light emitting element 43.

[0098] Next, the second light fixture 60 will be described with reference to Figure 5 The second light fixture 60 will be described. Figure 5 is a side view schematically showing the second light fixture 60. The second light fixture 60 includes a second light source portion 61 that emits second light toward the front, a light shield 67, a projection lens 69 arranged in front of the second light source portion 61, and a frame 51 that accommodates the second light source portion 61, the light shield 67, and the projection lens 69. In Figure 5 , the frame 51 is shown in a schematic cross section in the vertical direction of the second light fixture 60.

[0099] Figure 6 is a front view schematically showing Figure 5 the second light source portion 61 and the light shield 67 shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in

[0100] The light shield 67 has a light shielding portion 67a and a fixing portion 67b that are integrally formed by bending processing of a plate-shaped member. The light shielding portion 67a extends in the left-right direction in front of the light emitting element 63, and the fixing portion 67b is connected to the lower end portion of the light shielding portion 67a. The fixing portion 67b extends toward the rear from the lower end portion of the light shielding portion 67a, and the end portion of the fixing portion 67b is fixed to the circuit board 65. The upper edge of the light shielding portion 67a is located below the optical axis of the light emitting element 63. A protrusion 67c that protrudes upward in a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape is provided at the central portion in the left-right direction of the upper edge of the light shielding portion 67a. Such a light shielding portion 67a shields a part of the second light emitted from the light emitting element 63.

[0101] The projection lens 69 is configured in the same structure as the projection lens 49, is disposed in front of the light shield 67, and is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the second light incident on the projection lens 69. The rear focal point of the projection lens 69 is located at or near the upper edge of the light shielding portion 67a. As described above, a part of the second light emitted from the light emitting element 63 is blocked by the light shielding portion 67a of the light shield 67, and another part of the second light emitted from the light emitting element 63 is incident on the projection lens 69. The second light whose divergence angle is adjusted by the projection lens 69 passes through the front cover 51b of the frame 51 and is emitted from the second light fixture 60 toward the front of the vehicle 10.

[0102] Next, with reference to Figure 7 , the second light distribution pattern 600 formed by the second light emitted from the second light fixture 60 will be described. Figure 7 is a view that shows the second light distribution pattern 600 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 10. The shape of the second light distribution pattern 600 corresponds to the shape of the light shielding portion 67a, and the light distribution pattern when a part of the second light is blocked by the light shielding portion 67a is the light distribution pattern inverted up and down and left and right.

[0103] The second light distribution pattern 600 overlaps the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 corresponds to the shape of the upper edge of the light shielding portion 67a including the protrusion 67c. The upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 includes a first edge 601, a second edge 602, a third edge 603, a fourth edge 604, and a fifth edge 605. The first edge 601 is located below the horizontal line S and extends horizontally from the vertical line V to the right side and the left side. The second edge 602 extends obliquely upward from the left end of the first edge 601 toward the left side. The end of the second edge 602 opposite the first edge 601 side is located above the horizontal line S. The third edge 603 extends horizontally from the end of the second edge 602 opposite the first edge 601 side toward the left side and is located above the horizontal line S. The fourth edge 604 and the fifth edge 605 are disposed substantially symmetrically with the second edge 602 and the third edge 603 with the first edge 601 as a reference. The lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located below the horizontal line S, intersects the vertical line V, and extends horizontally. The left edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 extends from the end of the third edge 603 opposite the second edge 602 side toward the left end of the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. The right edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 extends from the end of the fifth edge 605 opposite the fourth edge 604 side toward the right end of the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0104] The intensity distribution of the second light in the second light distribution pattern 600 is adjusted by adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting element 63.

[0105] Next, with reference to Figure 8 the third light fixture 80 will be described.Figure 8 is a side view schematically showing the third light 80. The third light 80 is provided with a third light source portion 81 that emits third light toward the front, a projection lens 89 disposed in front of the third light source portion 81, and a housing 51 that accommodates the third light source portion 81 and the projection lens 89. In Figure 8 , the housing 51 is shown in a schematic cross section in the vertical direction of the third light 80.

[0106] Figure 9 is a front view schematically showing the third light source portion 81 shown in Figure 8 . The third light source portion 81 is provided with a plurality of light emitting elements 83a to 83j that emit third light as white light and a circuit board 85 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 83a to 83j are mounted. As each of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j, an LED or an LD can be given, and the light emitting elements 83a to 83j are arranged in a row in an array shape in the left-right direction. The shape of the emission surface of each of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j is a substantially rectangular shape that is substantially the same size and is longer in the up-down direction, but is not particularly limited. The emission surface is larger than the emission surface of the light emitting element 43 in the first light source portion 41. The number of light emitting elements is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more. Each of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j can also be an LED or an LD that emits light of a wavelength different from each other. The number of light emitting elements is two or more. If each of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j is independently supplied with electric power from a power supply portion not shown via the circuit board 85, the third light is emitted, and if the third light is emitted, heat is generated. The greater the electric power supplied to each of the light emitting elements, the greater the light emission amount of each of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j increases.

[0107] The projection lens 89 is provided in the same structure as the projection lens 49 and is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the third light incident to the projection lens 89. The rear focal point of the projection lens 89 is located on or near the emission surface of the light emitting element 83f located substantially at the center in the left-right direction among the plurality of light emitting elements 83a to 83j. The third light whose divergence angle is adjusted by the projection lens 89 passes through the front cover 51b of the housing 51 and is emitted toward the front of the vehicle 10 from the third light 80.

[0108] Next, with reference to Figure 10 , the third light distribution pattern 800 formed by the third light emitted from the third light 80 will be described. Figure 10 is a view showing the third light distribution pattern 800 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 10.

[0109] The third light distribution pattern 800 includes irradiation regions 801a to 801j irradiated with third light emitted from the light emitting elements 83a to 83j. Since the light emitting elements 83a to 83j are arranged in a column in the left-right direction, the irradiation regions 801a to 801j are also arranged in a column in the left-right direction. The irradiation regions 801a to 801j individually correspond to the shapes of the emission surfaces of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j, and are substantially the same size and are oblong in the up-down direction. Adjacent irradiation regions are contiguous with each other.

[0110] The third light distribution pattern 800 is oblong in the left-right direction, the irradiation regions 801a to 801j overlap the horizontal line S, and the irradiation regions 801e and 801f are contiguous with the vertical line V. The upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, that is, the upper edge of each irradiation region, is located above the horizontal line S and extends in the horizontal direction. In addition, the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, that is, the lower edge of each irradiation region, is located below the horizontal line S and extends in the horizontal direction. The positions or directions of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j are adjusted so that the irradiation regions 801a to 801j are arranged as described above.

[0111] Note that a part of adjacent irradiation regions can also overlap each other. Alternatively, adjacent irradiation regions can also be separated from each other to form a gap. However, the irradiation regions 801a to 801j are preferably arranged without a gap in the left-right direction. In addition, the sizes or shapes of the irradiation regions 801a to 801j are not particularly limited and can be different from each other, and can be larger than the irradiation regions 401a.

[0112] The size and shape of the third light distribution pattern 800 vary depending on the light emitting elements 83a to 83j selected to emit the third light. In addition, the intensity distribution of the third light in the third light distribution pattern 800 is adjusted by adjusting the light emission amounts of the light emitting elements 83a to 83j.

[0113] Returning to Figure 1 , the description of the vehicle 10 will be continued.

[0114] The detection device 150 includes a steering sensor that detects the direction and angle of rotation of the steering wheel of the vehicle 10, that is, the direction in which the vehicle 10 turns and the steering angle of the vehicle 10. Thus, the steering sensor detects the right and left steering angles while recognizing them as different steering angles. The steering sensor is electrically connected to the control portion 110 and outputs a signal corresponding to the steering angle with reference to the straight travel of the vehicle 10 to the control portion 110. Note that the steering sensor can be electrically connected to the control portion 110 via an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) not shown in the drawing of the vehicle 10, and can input a signal to the control portion 110 via the ECU.

[0115] The storage section 130 is electrically connected to the control section 110. The storage section 130 is, for example, a non-transitory storage medium, preferably a semiconductor storage medium such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) or a Read Only Memory (ROM), but can include an optical storage medium or a magnetic storage medium, or any other form of storage medium. Note that the "non-transitory" storage medium includes all storage media readable by a computer, except for a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile storage media.

[0116] The control section 110 is constituted by, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. Note that the control section 110 can use a machine learning device or can not use a machine learning device in the case of using an NC device. The control section 110 can also be provided as part of the ECU of the vehicle 10.

[0117] The vehicle light switch 200 is electrically connected to the control section 110. The vehicle light switch 200 is a switch that selects any one of the emission of low beams, the emission of high beams, and the non-emission of light. For example, the vehicle light switch 200 outputs a control signal indicating the emission of low beams to the control section 110 in the case of selecting the emission of low beams, and outputs a control signal indicating the emission of high beams to the control section 110 in the case of selecting the emission of high beams. In this way, the control signal is a signal indicating the start of the emission of light from the light fixture unit 30. In addition, the vehicle light switch 200 does not output a control signal to the control section 110 in the case of selecting the non-emission of light. The control section 110 stops the driving of the light fixture unit 30 in the case where no control signal is input.

[0118] The control section 110, if a control signal is input from the vehicle lamp switch 200, performs supply or stop of electric power to the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j via the power supply sections and the circuit boards 45, 65, 85. Thereby, the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j from which light is emitted are selected, and the light distribution pattern 400, 600, 800 formed by light emitted from the lamp unit 30 changes according to the selection. In addition, the control section 110 adjusts the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j. Thereby, the light emission amount of each light emitting element 43, 63, 83a to 83j is adjusted, and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern 400, 600, 800 is adjusted.

[0119] Next, the temperature derating of the first light source section 41 will be described.

[0120] In the first light source section 41, the light emitting elements 43 are densely arranged compared to the other light source sections 61, 81, and therefore, the temperature of the first light source section 41 easily rises compared to the other light source sections 61, 81. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41.

[0121] If the temperature T of the first light source section 41, as estimated by the temperature sensor 47, is lower than the predetermined value at the start of temperature derating, such as temperature T0 (e.g., 80°C), the control unit 110 does not perform temperature derating. However, if the temperature T is higher than temperature T0, the control unit 110 performs temperature derating. When the temperature T is T0, the control unit 110 supplies a smaller power E0 to the light-emitting element 43 than it would supply without temperature derating. In this case, the control unit supplies power E0 to the light-emitting element 43 that is supplied with power greater than E0, thus reducing the power supplied to that light-emitting element 43. Furthermore, if the temperature T is higher than temperature T0 (T1), the control unit 110 supplies a smaller power E1 to the light-emitting element 43. In this case, the control unit 110 supplies power E1 to the light-emitting element 43 that is supplied with power greater than E1, thus reducing the power supplied to that light-emitting element 43. If temperature T0 is 80°C, then temperature T1 is, for example, 110°C. If the estimated temperature T is a temperature T2 that is greater than temperature T1, then the control unit 110 supplies the light-emitting element 43 with a power E2 that is less than the power E1. If temperature T1 is 110°C, then temperature T2 is, for example, 120°C. When the estimated temperature T is higher than temperature T2, the control unit 110 supplies the light-emitting element 43 with power E2, for example, to prevent it from going out. In this way, when temperature T is higher than temperature T0, the control unit 110 controls the power E according to temperature T. If the power E decreases, the light emission and heat generation of each light-emitting element 43 decrease, and the temperature of the first light source unit 41 decreases. It should be noted that temperature T1 can be the same for both high beam and low beam emission, or it can be higher or lower than the case of high beam emission compared to the case of low beam emission.

[0122] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlight 20 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0123] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the control flow chart of the control unit 110 in this embodiment. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP18. It should be noted that the control flow is not limited to this. Figure 11 In the initial state shown, the temperature sensor 47 estimates the temperature T of the first light source unit 41 and inputs a temperature signal to the control unit 110.

[0124] (Step SP11)

[0125] As for the control section 110, if the control signal is not input from the vehicle light switch 200, no electric power is supplied to the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j, and the process returns to step SP11. As for the control section 110, if the vehicle light switch 200 becomes ON and the control signal is input from the vehicle light switch 200, the control flow goes to step SP12.

[0126] (Step SP12)

[0127] In this step, as for the control section 110, if the control signal from the vehicle light switch 200 is a signal indicating the emission of low beam, the control flow goes to step SP13. As for the control section 110, if the control signal from the vehicle light switch 200 is a signal indicating the emission of low beam, the control flow goes to step SP16.

[0128] (Step SP13)

[0129] In this step, the control section 110 supplies electric power to the light emitting elements 43, 63, emits the first and second light, and forms the light distribution pattern of low beam. Figure 12 is a view indicating the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 10. In Figure 12 , the light distribution pattern 910 is indicated by a thick line.

[0130] In this step, the first light forms the first light distribution pattern 400, and the second light forms the second light distribution pattern 600. In the case of emitting low beam, the first light distribution pattern 400 is formed by the first light from a part of the light emitting elements 43, not all of the light emitting elements 43, but can be formed by the first light from at least a part of the light emitting elements 43. In Figure 12 , a part of the upper edge, the left edge, and the right edge of the irradiation region 401b in the first light distribution pattern 400 are indicated by a broken line.

[0131] The light distribution pattern 910 is formed by the overlap of the first light distribution pattern 400 and the second light distribution pattern 600. Specifically, a part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps at least a part of the second light distribution pattern 600. In addition, another part of the first light distribution pattern 400 does not overlap the second light distribution pattern 600, and is located outside the second light distribution pattern 600 above the height position of the first edge 601 of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0132] The light distribution pattern 910 described above has the gradation cut lines CL11 to CL15 on the upper edge. The gradation cut line CL11 extends in the horizontal direction from the inflection point EP on or near the vertical line V below the horizontal line S to one side, i.e., the right side, in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL12 extends toward the obliquely upper side from the inflection point EP to the other side, i.e., the left side, in the left-right direction. The end of the gradation cut line CL12 on the side opposite to the inflection point EP is located above the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL13 extends in the horizontal direction from the end of the gradation cut line CL12 on the side opposite to the inflection point EP to the other side in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL13 is located above the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL14 extends toward the obliquely upper side from the end of the gradation cut line CL11 on the side opposite to the inflection point EP to one side in the left-right direction. The end of the gradation cut line CL14 on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL11 is located above the horizontal line S and at substantially the same height position as the gradation cut line CL13. The gradation cut line CL15 extends in the horizontal direction from the end of the gradation cut line CL14 on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL11 to one side in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL15 is located above the horizontal line S and at substantially the same height position as the gradation cut line CL13.

[0133] The gradation cut lines CL11, CL12, and CL14 of the light distribution pattern 910 are a part of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. In addition, a part of the gradation cut line CL13 of the gradation cut line CL13 continuous with the gradation cut line CL12 is another part of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. The other part of the gradation cut line CL13 is the third edge 603 in the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. In addition, a part of the gradation cut line CL15 of the gradation cut line CL15 continuous with the gradation cut line CL14 is a remaining part of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. The other part of the gradation cut line CL15 is the fifth edge 605 in the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. The control portion 110 controls the supply of power to the light emitting elements 43 so that the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 becomes the gradation cut line CL11, the gradation cut line CL12, the gradation cut line CL14, a part of the gradation cut line CL13, and a part of the gradation cut line CL15. Thus, the first light distribution pattern 400 in the light distribution pattern 910 is formed by the first light emitted from a part, not all, of the light emitting elements 43 in the first light fixture 40.

[0134] Further, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the light distribution pattern 910 are the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. Therefore, in the left-right direction, the second light distribution pattern 600 is longer than the first light distribution pattern 400. Further, the left edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is positioned to the left of the left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400, and the right edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is positioned to the right of the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. Further, in the up-down direction, the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 is positioned between the upper edge and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0135] The light distribution pattern 910 includes a first region, i.e., a region 911, in which a portion of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps a portion of the second light distribution pattern 600, and a second region, i.e., a region 913, in which another portion of the first light distribution pattern 400 does not overlap the second light distribution pattern 600. In the light distribution pattern 910, the first light from the first luminaire 40 and the second light from the second luminaire 60 irradiate the region 911, and the first light from the first luminaire 40 irradiates the region 913. The region 911 is larger than the region 913. Note that, if the light amount of the second light is lower than a prescribed ratio of the peak value of the light amount, the region in which the first light and the second light overlap can be regarded as the region 913. The prescribed ratio is, for example, 2%, in which case it can be regarded that the first light and the second light do not overlap in the human vision. Alternatively, the region in which the second light having a luminosity lower than a prescribed luminosity of the second light forming the outer edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, such as the edges 601, 602, 604, and the like, overlaps the first light can be regarded as the region 913. The prescribed luminosity is, for example, 500 cd, in which case it can be regarded that the first light and the second light do not overlap in the human vision.

[0136] The region 913 is two. One region 913 is on the left side of the vertical line V, and is enclosed by the cut line CL12, a portion of the cut line CL13, a portion of the first edge 601 passing through the inflection point EP, and the second edge 602. The other region 913 is on the right side of the vertical line V, and is enclosed by the cut line CL14, a portion of the cut line CL15, another portion of the first edge 601 passing through the inflection point EP, and the fourth edge 604. The regions 913 are separately arranged in the left-right direction. Such a region 913 is a region in the first light distribution pattern 400 other than the region 911, is continuous with the region 911, and is positioned above the region 911 on the outside of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0137] In the light distribution pattern 910, a region in which the intensity of light is the highest, i.e., a hot zone HZL, is positioned in the vicinity of the inflection point EP within the region 911. The light amounts of the first and second light emitted from the light emitting elements 43, 63 are adjusted by the control section 110 so that the intensity of light in the light distribution pattern 910 is lower the farther it is from, for example, the hot zone HZL.

[0138] As for the control portion 110, if the low beam distribution pattern 910 is formed in front of the vehicle 10, the control flow is made to proceed to step SP14.

[0139] (Step SP14)

[0140] In this step, as for the control portion 110, if the temperature T indicated by the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 47 is lower than the temperature TO, the control flow is made to return to step SP11. In addition, as for the control portion 110, if the temperature T is the temperature TO or higher, the control flow is made to proceed to step SP15.

[0141] (Step SP15)

[0142] The control portion 110 reduces the temperature of the first light source portion 41 based on the temperature of the first light source portion 41 in the state where the low beam distribution pattern 910 is formed.

[0143] In this step, the control portion 110 reduces the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 that emit at least a part of the first light that irradiates the region 911 in the first distribution pattern 400 in the distribution pattern 910, as compared to before the temperature reduction. Thereby, the light quantity of the first light that irradiates the region 911 is reduced as compared to before the temperature reduction. If the light quantity of the first light is reduced, the amount of heat generated by the light emitting elements 43 is reduced, and the temperature rise of the first light source portion 41 is suppressed. Note that if the temperature T of the first light source portion 41 is lower than the temperature TO, the control portion 110 restores the electric power supplied to the above-mentioned light emitting elements 43 to the electric power before the temperature reduction.

[0144] In addition, the control portion 110, in the case where the temperature of the first light source portion 41 is reduced, makes the electric power supplied to the plurality of light emitting elements 43 that emit the first light that irradiates the region 913 in the first distribution pattern 400 the same as before the temperature reduction. Thereby, the light quantity of the first light that irradiates the region 913 is the same as before the temperature reduction, and even if the temperature is reduced, the change in the luminance in the region 913 is suppressed. In addition, the change in the luminance on the side of a part of the cut lines CL12 and CL13, and a part of the cut lines CL14 and CL15 in the distribution pattern 910 is suppressed.

[0145] Note that the control section 110 can also reduce the power supplied to the light emitting element 43 that emits the first light to at least a part of the emission area 913 in the case where the first light source section 41 is temperature-reduced. Thus, the amount of heat generated by the light emitting element 43 is reduced compared to before the temperature reduction, and the temperature increase of the first light source section 41 can be suppressed. In addition, for example, in the case where the area 913 is brighter than the second light distribution pattern 600 before the temperature reduction, the area 913 sometimes becomes the same brightness as the second light distribution pattern 600 due to the temperature reduction. If the area 913 becomes the same brightness as the second light distribution pattern 600, the excessive change in brightness in the area 913 and the second light distribution pattern 600 can be suppressed compared to the case where the area 913 does not become the same brightness as the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0146] In addition, the control section 110 makes the power supplied to the light emitting element 63 that emits the second light the same as before the temperature reduction in the case where the first light source section 41 is temperature-reduced. Thus, the amount of light of the second light distribution pattern 600 in the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is the same as before the temperature reduction, and the change in brightness in the second light distribution pattern 600 is suppressed even if the temperature reduction is performed.

[0147] In the case of the control section 110, if the first light source section 41 is temperature-reduced, the control flow is returned to step SP11.

[0148] (Step SP16)

[0149] In this step, the control signal in step SP12 becomes a signal indicating the emission of a high beam, and the control section 110 supplies power to the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j, emits the first, second, and third lights, and forms a light distribution pattern of a high beam. Figure 13 is a view indicating a light distribution pattern 930 of a high beam formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 10. In Figure 13 In the view of Figure 12 the low beam light distribution pattern 910 shown in FIG. 6.

[0150] In this step, the light distribution patterns 400, 600 are formed as in the case of emitting a low beam, and the third light distribution pattern 800 is formed by the third light. In the case of emitting a high beam, unlike the case of emitting a low beam, the first light distribution pattern 400 is formed by the first light from all the light emitting elements 43. Therefore, in the case of emitting a high beam, the first light distribution pattern 400 is larger than in the case of emitting a low beam.

[0151] The light distribution pattern 930 is formed by superimposing the light distribution patterns 400, 600, 800. Specifically, in the light distribution pattern 930, the third light distribution pattern 800 is arranged side by side with the second light distribution pattern 600 in the up-down direction. In addition, a part of the third light distribution pattern 800 overlaps a part of the second light distribution pattern 600, and another part of the third light distribution pattern 800 does not overlap the second light distribution pattern 600 and is located outside the second light distribution pattern 600. In addition, in the light distribution pattern 930, a part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps only the second light distribution pattern 600, and another part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps only the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, a remaining part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps the second light distribution pattern 600 and the third light distribution pattern 800.

[0152] The second light distribution pattern 600 is longer than the third light distribution pattern 800 in the left-right direction. The left edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located to the left of the left edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, and the right edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located to the right of the right edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. The lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located below the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. The edges 602 to 605 of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 are located above the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. The second edge 602, a part of the third edge 603, the fourth edge 604, and a part of the fifth edge 605 are located inside the third light distribution pattern 800, and another part of the third edge 603 and another part of the fifth edge 605 are located outside the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, the first edge 601 overlaps a part of the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. Thus, a part of the second light distribution pattern 600 overlaps a part of the third light distribution pattern 800, and another part of the second light distribution pattern 600 does not overlap the third light distribution pattern 800 and is located outside the third light distribution pattern 800.

[0153] The second light distribution pattern 600 is longer than the first light distribution pattern 400 in the left-right direction. The left edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located to the left of the left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400, and the right edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located to the right of the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. The upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 crosses between the upper edge and the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. The edges 601, 602, 604 are located inside the first light distribution pattern 400, and the edges 603, 605 are located outside the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0154] The first light distribution pattern 400 is shorter than the third light distribution pattern 800 in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction. The left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 is positioned to the right of the left edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, and the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 is positioned to the left of the right edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. The lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 is positioned below the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 and the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. In addition, the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 is positioned below the upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 and above the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0155] The upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is a part of the third edge 603 of the second light distribution pattern 600 positioned outside the third light distribution pattern 800 and a part of the left edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 positioned outside the second light distribution pattern 600, as described above. In addition, the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is the upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, the right edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 positioned outside the second light distribution pattern 600, and a part of the fifth edge 605 of the second light distribution pattern 600 positioned outside the third light distribution pattern 800. The left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the light distribution pattern 930 are the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0156] The light distribution pattern 930 includes a first region, i.e., a region 931, in which a part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with a part of the second light distribution pattern 600, and a second region, i.e., a region 933, in which another part of the first light distribution pattern 400 does not overlap with the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0157] The region 931 is the same as the first region, i.e., a region 911, in the low-beam light distribution pattern 910, but the reference numerals are separated for convenience of explanation. In a part of the region 931, only a part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with the second light distribution pattern 600. In another part of the region 931, another part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with the second light distribution pattern 600 and the third light distribution pattern 800. Thus, the region 931 becomes a region in which the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with at least the second light distribution pattern 600. The part of the region 931 is larger than the other part of the region 931. In the light distribution pattern 930, the part of the first and second light irradiation regions 931, and the other part of the first to third light irradiation regions 931.

[0158] At least a part of the region 933 includes a third region in which the remaining part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with a part of the third light distribution pattern 800. In the present embodiment, the entire region 933 is the third region because the remaining part of the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with a part of the third light distribution pattern 800 in the entire region 933. The region 933 is larger than the region 931. In the present embodiment, the region 933 includes the second region, i.e., the region 913, in the light distribution pattern 910 of the low beam and is larger than the region 913. The region 933 is continuous with the region 931 in the upward and downward directions, and the lower edge of the region 933 is continuous with the upper edge of the region 931. In the light distribution pattern 930, the first and third light irradiation regions 931 and 933.

[0159] In the light distribution pattern 930, the hot zone HZH in which the intensity of light is the highest is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V within the region 933 in which the light distribution patterns 400 and 800 overlap with each other. The light amount of the first and third light emitted from the respective light emitting elements 43 and 83a to 83j is adjusted by the control portion 110 so that the intensity of light in the light distribution pattern 930 is lower the farther it is from, for example, the hot zone HZH.

[0160] With respect to the control portion 110, if the light distribution pattern 930 of the high beam is formed in front of the vehicle 10, the control flow is caused to proceed to step SP17.

[0161] (Step SP17)

[0162] In the present step, with respect to the control portion 110, if the temperature T indicated by the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 47 is lower than the temperature TO, the control flow is caused to return to step SP11. In addition, with respect to the control portion 110, if the temperature T is the temperature TO or higher, the control flow is caused to proceed to step SP18.

[0163] (Step SP18)

[0164] The control portion 110 performs temperature derating of the first light source portion 41 based on the temperature of the first light source portion 41 in a state in which the light distribution pattern 930 of the high beam is formed.

[0165] In this step, the control portion 110 reduces the electric power supplied to the light emitting element 43 that emits the first light to at least a part of at least one of the regions 931 and 933 in the first light distribution pattern 400 in the light distribution pattern 930 to be irradiated, as compared to before the temperature derating. Thereby, the light quantity of the first light that irradiates at least a part of at least one of the regions 931 and 933 is reduced as compared to before the temperature derating. If the light quantity of the first light is reduced, the heat generation amount of the light emitting element 43 is reduced, and the temperature rise of the first light source portion 41 is suppressed. Note that if the temperature T of the first light source portion 41 is lower than the temperature To, the control portion 110 restores the electric power supplied to the above-described light emitting element 43 to the electric power before the temperature derating.

[0166] In addition, the control portion 110, in a case where the temperature of the first light source portion 41 is derated, makes the electric power supplied to the light emitting element 63 that emits the second light and the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 83a to 83j that emit the third light the same as before the temperature derating. Thereby, the light quantity of the second light that irradiates the second light distribution pattern 600 in the light distribution pattern 930 that irradiates the high beam and the light quantity of the third light that irradiates the third light distribution pattern 800 are the same as before the temperature derating. Therefore, even if the temperature is derated, the change in the luminance in the light distribution patterns 600 and 800 is suppressed.

[0167] In the case of the control portion 110, if the temperature of the first light source portion 41 is derated, the control flow is returned to step SP11.

[0168] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 20 of the present embodiment, in a case where the control portion 110 derates the temperature of the first light source portion 41 in a state where the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is formed, the control portion 110 controls the electric power supplied to each of the plurality of light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity of the first light that irradiates at least a part of at least the region 911 in the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced as compared to before the temperature derating.

[0169] In the vehicle headlamp 20, in the low beam light distribution pattern 910, the first light and the second light are irradiated in the region 911. Therefore, in a case where the temperature is derated, in the region 911, even if the light quantity of the first light is reduced as described above, as compared to a case where the first light is not irradiated in the first region, the decrease in the luminance of the low beam light distribution pattern 910 can be suppressed, and the decrease in the visibility of the front can be suppressed. In addition, if the light quantity of the first light is reduced, the heat generation amount of the light emitting element 43 is reduced, and the temperature rise of the first light source portion 41 can be suppressed.

[0170] Further, in the vehicle headlamp 20 of this embodiment, at least a part of the region 933 includes a third region that overlaps a part of the third light distribution pattern 800. In this embodiment, the entire region 933 is the third region. In a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating of the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam is formed, the control portion 110 controls the electric power supplied to each of the plurality of light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of at least one of the irradiation region 931 and the region 933 is reduced compared to before the temperature derating.

[0171] In the vehicle headlamp 20, in the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam, the first light, the second light, and the third light are irradiated in the region 931, and the first light and the third light are irradiated in the region 933. According to the above-described structure, in a case where temperature derating is performed, even if the light quantity of the first light is reduced, the reduction in the luminance of the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam can be suppressed compared to a case where the second light and the third light do not irradiate the region 931 and a case where the third light does not irradiate the region 933. Thus, the reduction in the visibility of the front can be suppressed. Further, if the light quantity of the first light is reduced, the heat generation amount of the light emitting element 43 is reduced, and the temperature rise of the first light source portion 41 can be suppressed.

[0172] Note that, in a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating of the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam is formed, the control portion 110 can stop the supply of electric power to the light emitting element 43 that emits the first light that irradiates the irradiation region 911, and the light quantity of the first light can be zero. Thus, the temperature rise of the first light source portion 41 can be further suppressed. Further, if the supply of electric power is stopped, only the second light is irradiated in the region 911. In the region 911, even if the light quantity of the first light is zero, the reduction in the luminance of the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam can be suppressed compared to a case where the second light does not irradiate the region 911, and the reduction in the visibility of the front can be suppressed.

[0173] Further, in a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating of the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam is formed, the control portion 110 can stop the supply of electric power to the light emitting element 43, and the light quantity of the first light can be zero. Thus, the temperature rise of the first light source portion 41 can be further suppressed. Further, if the supply of electric power is stopped, only the second light is irradiated in a part of the region 931, the second light and the third light are irradiated in another part of the region 931, and only the third light is irradiated in the region 933. In the regions 931 and 933, even if the light quantity of the first light is zero, the reduction in the luminance of the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam can be suppressed compared to a case where the second light and the third light do not irradiate the region 931 and a case where the third light does not irradiate the region 933, and the reduction in the visibility of the front can be suppressed.

[0174] The control section 110 controls the power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of the irradiation region 911 is reduced more than the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of the irradiation region 913. Thus, compared to a case where the light quantity of the first light in the irradiation region 913 is reduced more than the light quantity of the first light in the irradiation region 911, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the luminance on the side of a part of the cut lines CL12, CL13, a part of the CL14, CL15 in the light distribution pattern 910. In addition, in a case where the region 911 is larger than the region 913, according to the above-described structure, compared to a case where the region 911 is smaller than the region 913, the temperature rise of the first light source section 41 is suppressed. Note that the light quantity of the region 911 can be reduced the same as the light quantity of the region 913, or can be reduced less than the light quantity of the region 913.

[0175] Also, the control section 110 can control the power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of the irradiation region 913 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of the irradiation region 911 in a case where the first light source section 41 is temperature-reduced in a state where the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam is formed. Thus, compared to a case where the light quantity of the first light in the irradiation region 913 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the first light in the irradiation region 911, the start of the reduction in the luminance on the side of a part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, a part of the CL14, CL15 in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Therefore, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the region 913 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the region 911, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the region 911.

[0176] Also, the control section 110 can control the power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of the irradiation region 913 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light in at least a part of the irradiation region 911 in a case where the first light source section 41 is temperature-reduced in a state where the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam is formed. Thus, compared to a case where the light quantity of the first light in the irradiation region 913 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the first light in the irradiation region 911, the start of the reduction in the luminance on the side of a part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, a part of the CL14, CL15 in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Therefore, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the region 913 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the region 911, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the region 911.

[0177] In addition, in a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam is formed, the control portion 110 can control the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the region 913 toward the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the region 911. Thus, compared with a case where the light quantity decreases from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the luminance on the side of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, the part of CL14, and the part of CL15 in the light distribution pattern 910. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the visibility of the cut lines. Note that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 can also decrease from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. In the above, the control portion 110 can gradually decrease the light quantity, or can decrease the light quantity in stages. If the light quantity gradually decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side, compared with a case where the light quantity does not gradually decrease, it is possible to suppress excessive change in the luminance of the first light distribution pattern 400 that decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side.

[0178] In addition, in a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 910 of low beam is formed, the control portion 110 can control the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the region 913 toward the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the region 911. Thus, compared with a case where the light quantity decreases from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the luminance on the side of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, the part of CL14, and the part of CL15 in the light distribution pattern 910. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the visibility of the cut lines. Note that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 can also decrease from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. In the above, the control portion 110 can gradually decrease the light quantity, or can decrease the light quantity in stages. If the light quantity gradually decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side, compared with a case where the light quantity does not gradually decrease, it is possible to suppress excessive change in the luminance of the first light distribution pattern 400 that decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side.

[0179] Further, it can also be that the control section 110, in the case of performing temperature derating on the first light source section 41, controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. According to the above-described structure, as compared with the case where the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side, the start of the reduction in the luminance of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, CL14, and the part of the CL15 side in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0180] Further, it can also be that the control section 110, in the case of performing temperature derating on the first light source section 41, controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. According to the above-described structure, as compared with the case where the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side, the start of the reduction in the luminance of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, CL14, and the part of the CL15 side in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0181] Further, it can also be that the control section 110, in the case of performing temperature derating on the first light source section 41, controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. According to the above-described structure, as compared with the case where the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side, the start of the reduction in the luminance of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, CL14, and the part of the CL15 side in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0182] Further, it can also be that the control section 110, in the case of performing temperature derating on the first light source section 41, controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. According to the above-described structure, as compared with the case where the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side, the start of the reduction in the luminance of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, CL14, and the part of the CL15 side in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0183] Further, it can also be that the control section 110, in the case of performing temperature derating on the first light source section 41, controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light irradiating at least a part of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. According to the above-described structure, as compared with the case where the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side, the start of the reduction in the luminance of the part of the cut lines CL11, CL12, CL13, CL14, and the part of the CL15 side in the light distribution pattern 910 can be delayed. Thus, the start of the reduction in the visibility of the cut lines can be delayed. Note that the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0184] For example, it can also be that, in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam is formed, the control section 110 controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light of at least a part of the irradiation region 931 is reduced more than the light quantity of the first light of at least a part of the irradiation region 933. Since the region 933 is located above the region 931, there is a tendency for the driver's line of sight to be concentrated toward the region 933 from the region 931. According to the above-described structure, compared to a case where the light quantity of the region 931 is reduced more than the light quantity of the region 933, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the luminance of the region 933, where the driver's line of sight is concentrated, in the light distribution pattern of high beam, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the visibility in front. Note that the light quantity of the region 931 can be reduced the same as the light quantity of the region 933, or can be reduced more than the light quantity of the region 933.

[0185] In addition, it can also be that, in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam is formed, the control section 110 controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 respectively so that the light quantity of the first light of at least a part of the irradiation region 933 is reduced later than the light quantity of the first light of at least a part of the irradiation region 931. In a case where the light distribution pattern 930 is formed in a state where the region 933 is larger than the region 931, there is a tendency for the driver's line of sight to be concentrated toward the region 933 from the region 931. In a case where the region 933 is larger than the region 931, according to the above-described structure, compared to a case where the light quantity of the region 933 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the region 931, the start of the reduction in the luminance of the region 933, where the driver's line of sight is concentrated, can be delayed, and the reduction in the visibility in the region 933 is suppressed.

[0186] Note that the light quantity of the region 933 can be reduced at the same time as the light quantity of the region 931, or can be reduced earlier than the light quantity of the region 931. In a case where the region 933 is larger than the region 931, if the light quantity of the region 933 is reduced earlier than the light quantity of the region 931, compared to a case where the light quantity of the region 933 is reduced later than the light quantity of the region 931, the temperature rise of the first light source section 41 is further suppressed.

[0187] Further, in a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam is formed, the control portion 110 can control the electric power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the third region toward the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the region 931. In a case where the light distribution pattern 930 is formed, there is a tendency that the driver's line of sight is concentrated toward the region 933 more than the region 931. According to the above-described structure, compared to a case where the light quantity decreases from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the luminance of the region 933 where the driver's line of sight is concentrated, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility in the region 933. Note that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 can decrease from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. In the above, the control portion 110 can gradually decrease the light quantity, or can decrease the light quantity in stages. If the light quantity gradually decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side, compared to a case where the light quantity does not gradually decrease, it is possible to suppress an excessive change in the luminance of the first light distribution pattern 400 that decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side.

[0188] Further, in a case where the control portion 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source portion 41 in a state where the light distribution pattern 930 of high beam is formed, the control portion 110 can control the electric power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the third region toward the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 included in the region 931. In a case where the light distribution pattern 930 is formed, there is a tendency that the driver's line of sight is concentrated toward the region 933 more than the region 931. According to the above-described structure, compared to a case where the light quantity decreases from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the luminance of the region 933 where the driver's line of sight is concentrated, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility in the region 933. Note that the light quantity in the first light distribution pattern 400 can decrease from the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. In the above, the control portion 110 can gradually decrease the light quantity, or can decrease the light quantity in stages. If the light quantity gradually decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side, compared to a case where the light quantity does not gradually decrease, it is possible to suppress an excessive change in the luminance of the first light distribution pattern 400 that decreases from the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 toward the lower edge side.

[0189] Further, the control portion 110 can control the electric power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43 so that the light quantity of the first light that irradiates at least a part of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 decreases later than the light quantity of the first light that irradiates at least a part of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400. According to the above-described structure, in a case where the region 933 is larger than the region 931, compared to a case where the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 decreases earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side, a decrease in the luminance of the upper edge side where the driver's line of sight is concentrated in the light distribution pattern 930 is suppressed from starting. Thus, a decrease in visibility of the upper edge side is suppressed. Note that the light quantity of the upper edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400 can decrease at the same time as the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400, or can decrease earlier than the light quantity of the lower edge side of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0190] Further, the control section 110 can also control the light emitting element 43 so that the light amount of the region 933 is the same as that of the region 931.

[0191] Next, a first modification example of the second light fixture 60 will be described in detail. Note that the same reference signs are attached to the same structures as those described in the above embodiment, and repeated description will be omitted except for cases where specifically described.

[0192] Figure 14 is a front view that schematically shows the second light source section 61 and the light shield 67 of the present modification example. The upper edge of the light shielding section 67a extends approximately in the horizontal direction, unlike the upper edge of the embodiment. Such a light shielding section 67a of the light shield 67 shields a part of the second light from the light emitting element 63.

[0193] Figure 15 is a view showing the second light distribution pattern 600 of the present modification example. The second light distribution pattern 600 is a long rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction and overlaps the vertical line V. The upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 corresponds to the shape of the upper edge of the light shielding section 67a in the third light fixture 80, is located below the horizontal line S, intersects the vertical line V, and extends in the horizontal direction.

[0194] Next, with reference to Figure 16 , the light distribution pattern 910 of the low beam of the present modification example will be described. Figure 16 is a view showing the light distribution pattern 910 of the low beam of the present modification example. The relative positions of the light distribution patterns 400, 600 in the light distribution pattern 910 of the present modification example are different from those in the light distribution pattern 910 of the embodiment, and will be described below.

[0195] The light distribution pattern 910 has the gradation cut lines CL21 to CL29 on the upper edge. The gradation cut line CL21 extends in the horizontal direction from the inflection point EP to one side in the left-right direction, i.e., the right side. The gradation cut line CL22 extends toward the obliquely upper side from the other side in the left-right direction, i.e., the left side, from the inflection point EP. The end on the side opposite to the inflection point EP on the gradation cut line CL22 is located above the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL23 extends in the horizontal direction from the end on the side opposite to the inflection point EP on the gradation cut line CL22 to the other side in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL23 is located above the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL24 extends in the vertical line V direction toward the lower side from the end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL22 on the gradation cut line CL23. The end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL23 on the gradation cut line CL24 is located below the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL25 extends in the horizontal direction from the end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL23 on the gradation cut line CL24 to the other side in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL25 is located at substantially the same height position as the gradation cut line CL21.

[0196] The gradation cut line CL26 extends toward the obliquely upper side from one side in the left-right direction from the end on the side opposite to the inflection point EP on the gradation cut line CL21. The end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL21 on the gradation cut line CL26 is located above the horizontal line S and at substantially the same height position as the gradation cut line CL23. The gradation cut line CL27 extends in the horizontal direction from the end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL21 on the gradation cut line CL26 to one side in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL27 is located above the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL28 extends in the vertical line V direction toward the lower side from the end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL26 on the gradation cut line CL27. The end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL27 on the gradation cut line CL28 is located below the horizontal line S. The gradation cut line CL29 extends in the horizontal direction from the end on the side opposite to the gradation cut line CL27 on the gradation cut line CL28 to one side in the left-right direction. The gradation cut line CL29 is located at substantially the same height position as the gradation cut line CL21.

[0197] In the light distribution pattern 910 as described above, the gradation cut lines CL21 to CL23, CL26, and CL27 of the light distribution pattern 910 are the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. In addition, the gradation cut line CL24 is a part of the left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400, and the gradation cut line CL28 is a part of the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. The gradation cut line CL25 is the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 that extends to the left side of the left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 in the horizontal direction. In addition, the gradation cut line CL29 is the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 that extends to the right side of the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 in the horizontal direction. The control section 110 controls the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43, respectively, so that the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 becomes the gradation cut lines CL21 to CL23, CL26, and CL27, a part of the left edge becomes the gradation cut line CL24, and a part of the right edge becomes the gradation cut line CL28. Thus, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the embodiment, the first light distribution pattern 400 in the light distribution pattern 910 of the present modified example is formed of the first light emitted from a part of the light emitting elements 43, not all of the light emitting elements 43, in the first luminaire 40.

[0198] In addition, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the light distribution pattern 910 are, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the embodiment, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. Thus, in the left-right direction, the second light distribution pattern 600 is longer than the first light distribution pattern 400. In addition, the left edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located to the left of the left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400, and the right edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is located to the right of the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. In addition, in the up-down direction, the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 crosses between the upper edge and the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0199] The light distribution pattern 910, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the embodiment, includes the regions 911 and 913. Unlike the embodiment, the region 911 is smaller than the region 913. The region 913 is adjacent to the region 911 and is located above the region 911.

[0200] The region 913 is two. One region 913 is on the left side of the vertical line V and is surrounded by the gradation cut lines CL22 to CL24 and a part of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 located inside the first light distribution pattern 400. The other region 913 is on the right side of the vertical line V and is surrounded by the gradation cut lines CL26 to CL28 and another part of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 located inside the first light distribution pattern 400. The regions 913 are separately arranged in the left-right direction.

[0201] The control section 110 controls the light emitting elements 43, 63 in the same manner as in the embodiment when the first light source section 41 is temperature derated in the state in which the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is formed. Therefore, the control of the light emitting elements 43, 63 is omitted.

[0202] Next, the low beam light distribution pattern 910 of the present modification example will be described with reference to Figure 17 to FIG. 9B. Figure 17 is a view that shows the low beam light distribution pattern 910 of the present modification example. In Figure 17 , the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is shown by a thick line, and the high beam light distribution pattern 930 is shown by a broken line. Figure 16

[0203] The relative positions of the light distribution patterns 400, 600, 800 in the light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example are different from those in the light distribution pattern 930 of the embodiment, which will be described below.

[0204] The third light distribution pattern 800 and the second light distribution pattern 600 are arranged without a gap in the up-down direction. In addition, the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 is in contact with the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, and the third light distribution pattern 800 is positioned outside the second light distribution pattern 600 above the height position of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 without overlapping the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0205] The upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 crosses between the upper edge and the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0206] In the light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example, the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is a part of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 that is not in contact with the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is another part of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 that is not in contact with the upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, and the left edge, the upper edge, and the right edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example are the same as those of the light distribution pattern 930 of the embodiment, and are the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0207] The light distribution pattern 930, like the light distribution pattern 930 of the embodiment, includes the regions 931, 933. Unlike the embodiment, in the region 933, the first light distribution pattern 400 overlaps only the third light distribution pattern 800. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern 930, the first light and the second light irradiate the region 931, and the first light and the third light irradiate the region 933. In this way, in the light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example, a region in which the light distribution patterns 400, 600, 800 do not overlap is not formed.

[0208] ​The hot zone HZH in which the intensity of light is the highest in the light distribution pattern 930 is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V within the region 933. The light amount of the first light and the third light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 43, 83a to 83j is adjusted by the control section 110 so that the intensity of light in the light distribution pattern 930 is lower, for example, the farther from the hot zone HZH.

[0209] In the case where the control section 110 reduces the temperature of the first light source section 41 in the state where the light distribution pattern 930 of the high beam is formed, the control section 110 controls the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j in the same manner as in the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j of the embodiment. Therefore, the control of the light emitting elements 43, 63, 83a to 83j is omitted from the description.

[0210] Next, a second modified example of the second light fixture 60 will be described in detail. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structures as those described in the above embodiment, and the repeated description is omitted except for the case where specifically described.

[0211] Figure 18 is a front view schematically showing the second light source section 61 and the light shield 67 of the present modified example. The upper edge of the light shielding section 67a is different from that of the first modified example, and includes a first edge 67e, a second edge 67f, and a third edge 67g. The first edge 67e extends substantially in the horizontal direction. The second edge 67f extends linearly from one end of the first edge 67e toward the side opposite to the first edge 67e and the lower side. The third edge 67g extends substantially in the horizontal direction from the other end of the second edge 67f toward the side opposite to the first edge 67e. Such a light shielding section 67a of the light shield 67 shields a part of the second light from the light emitting element 63.

[0212] Figure 19 is a view showing the second light distribution pattern 600 of the present modified example. The second light distribution pattern 600 overlaps the vertical line V. The upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 corresponds to the shape of the upper edge of the light shielding section 67a of the third light fixture 80, and includes a first edge 601, a second edge 602, and a third edge 603. The first edge 601 is located below the horizontal line S, and extends horizontally from the vertical line V to one side in the horizontal direction, that is, the right side, and the other side in the horizontal direction, that is, the left side. A part of the first edge 601 extending from the vertical line V to one side in the horizontal direction is longer than the other part of the first edge 601 extending from the vertical line V to the other side in the horizontal direction.

[0213] Next, the low beam of the present modified example will be described with reference to Figure 20 to the light distribution pattern 910 of the low beam of the present modified example. Figure 20 is a view showing the light distribution pattern 910 of the low beam of the present modified example. In the light distribution pattern 910, the intensity of light is lower, for example, the farther from the hot zone HZH. Figure 20In the figure, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10, and the light distribution pattern 910 formed on a virtual vertical screen disposed 25 m in front of the vehicle 10 is indicated by a thick line.

[0214] The light distribution pattern 910 has a gradation cutoff line CL31 to CL33 on the upper edge. The gradation cutoff line CL31 extends in the horizontal direction from the inflection point EP to one side in the left-right direction, that is, the right side. The gradation cutoff line CL32 extends toward the obliquely upper side from the inflection point EP to the other side in the left-right direction, that is, the left side. The end on the side opposite to the inflection point EP on the gradation cutoff line CL32 is located above the horizontal line S. The gradation cutoff line CL33 extends in the horizontal direction from the end on the side opposite to the inflection point EP on the gradation cutoff line CL32 to the other side in the left-right direction. The gradation cutoff line CL33 is located above the horizontal line S.

[0215] In the light distribution pattern 910 described above, the gradation cutoff line CL31 of the light distribution pattern 910 is a part of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 and a part of the first edge 601 of the second light distribution pattern 600 extending to the right side of the right edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 in the horizontal direction. The gradation cutoff line CL32 is another part of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400. The gradation cutoff line CL33 is a remaining part of the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 and the third edge 603 of the second light distribution pattern 600 extending to the left side of the left edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 in the horizontal direction. The control section 110 controls the supply of electric power to the light emitting elements 43 so that the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 becomes a part of the gradation cutoff line CL31, the gradation cutoff line CL32, and a part of the gradation cutoff line CL33. Thus, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the first main modified example, the first light distribution pattern 400 in the light distribution pattern 910 of the present modified example is formed of the first light emitted from a part of the light emitting elements 43, not all of the light emitting elements 43, in the first light 40.

[0216] In addition, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the light distribution pattern 910 of the present modified example are, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the first main modified example, the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. In addition, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the first main modified example, in the up-down direction, the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 is located between the upper edge and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0217] The light distribution pattern 910, as with the light distribution pattern 910 of the first main modified example, contains the regions 911, 913. The region 911, as with the embodiment, is larger than the region 913.

[0218] The region 913 is surrounded by the gradation cutoff line CL32, a part of the gradation cutoff line CL33, a part of the first edge 601, and the second edge 602 on the left side of the vertical line V.

[0219] The control section 110 controls the light emitting elements 43, 63 in the same manner as in the embodiment when the temperature of the first light source section 41 is reduced in the state where the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is formed. Therefore, the control of the light emitting elements 43, 63 is omitted from the description.

[0220] Next, the low beam light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example will be described with reference to Figure 21 to FIG. 9B. Figure 21 is a view showing the low beam light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example. In Figure 21 , the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is shown by a thick line, and the high beam light distribution pattern 930 is shown by a broken line. Figure 20 is shown in FIG. 9A.

[0221] The relative positions of the light distribution patterns 400, 600, 800 in the low beam light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example are different from those in the low beam light distribution pattern 930 of the first present modification example, which will be described below.

[0222] In the left-right direction, the second light distribution pattern 600 is longer than the third light distribution pattern 800. The left edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is positioned to the left of the left edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, and the right edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is positioned to the right of the right edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. The lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 is positioned below the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. Of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, a part of the first edge 601 overlaps a part of the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, and the other part of the first edge 601 is positioned outside the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, the second edge 602 and the third edge 603 are positioned above the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. A part of the second edge 602 and the third edge 603 is positioned inside the third light distribution pattern 800, and the other part of the third edge 603 is positioned outside the third light distribution pattern 800. Therefore, a part of the second light distribution pattern 600 overlaps a part of the third light distribution pattern 800, and the other part of the second light distribution pattern 600 is positioned outside the third light distribution pattern 800 without overlapping the third light distribution pattern 800.

[0223] Of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, a part of the first edge 601 and the second edge 602 are positioned inside the first light distribution pattern 400. In addition, of the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, the third edge 603 and the other part of the first edge 601 are positioned outside the first light distribution pattern 400.

[0224] In the light distribution pattern 930 of the present modification example, the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is a part of the third edge 603 in the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 that is located outside the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is a part of the left edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 that is located outside the second light distribution pattern 600 and the upper edge and the right edge of the third light distribution pattern 800. In addition, the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 930 is a part of the first edge 601 in the upper edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 that is located outside the third light distribution pattern 800. The left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the light distribution pattern 930 are the same as the left edge, the right edge, and the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600 as in the light distribution pattern 930 of the first present modification example.

[0225] The light distribution pattern 930 contains the regions 931 and 933 as in the light distribution pattern 930 of the first present modification example. The structures of the regions 931 and 933 are the same as those of the regions 931 and 933 of the first present modification example.

[0226] When the control unit 110 reduces the temperature of the first light source unit 41 in the state where the light distribution pattern 930 of the high beam is formed, the control unit 110 controls the light emitting elements 43, 63, and 83a to 83j as in the light emitting elements 43, 63, and 83a to 83j of the embodiments. Therefore, the control of the light emitting elements 43, 63, and 83a to 83j is omitted.

[0227] The first mode of the present application has been described above with the first embodiment and the modification examples as examples, but the present mode is not limited to this.

[0228] The structure of the first light 40 is not particularly limited to the above. The structure of the first light 40 may, for example, be a structure that scans light emitted from a light source using a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) or a galvanometer mirror and emits the light to the front. The structure of the first light 40 may also be a structure that diffracts light emitted from a light source using an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) or a diffraction grating and forms a desired light distribution pattern and emits the light to the front.

[0229] Note that the structures of the second light 60 and the third light 80 are not particularly limited and can be the same as those of the other lights. Therefore, the second light source unit 61 can be a micro LED array as in the first light source unit 41 or can be an LED array as in the third light source unit 81. In addition, the third light source unit 81 can be a micro LED array as in the first light source unit 41. The first light 40 and the third light 80 may, for example, be a light that is a parabolic type or a direct lens type.

[0230] One of the region 911 and the region 913 can be the same size as the other, or can be smaller than the other.

[0231] The light distribution pattern 930 can also include only the region 933.

[0232] In the light distribution pattern 930, the first edge 601 of the second light distribution pattern 600 can meet a portion of the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, or can cross the first light distribution pattern 400 and be positioned above or below the portion of the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800.

[0233] In the light distribution pattern 930, the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 can meet a portion of the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, can overlap the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, or can be positioned above the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800.

[0234] In the light distribution pattern 930, the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern 400 can meet the upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, can overlap the upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800, or can be positioned above the upper edge of the third light distribution pattern 800.

[0235] In the light distribution pattern 930 of the first modification example, the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 can overlap the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600, or can be positioned below the lower edge of the second light distribution pattern 600. In the light distribution pattern 930 of the embodiment and the second modification example, a portion of the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 can also meet the first edge 601 of the second light distribution pattern 600, or the lower edge of the third light distribution pattern 800 can be positioned above or below the first edge 601.

[0236] In addition, in the light distribution pattern 930, a gap can also be formed between the third light distribution pattern 800 and the second light distribution pattern 600 in the vertical direction. In this case, the first light distribution pattern 400 can also be formed so as to overlap the gap, the third light distribution pattern 800, and the second light distribution pattern 600.

[0237] (Second Embodiment)

[0238] A second embodiment as a second aspect of the present application will be described. Note that, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned and overlapping descriptions will be omitted, except for cases in which particular descriptions are given.

[0239] In each of the pair of the lamp units 30, three lamps 40, 60, 80 are provided in the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, only the first lamp 40 is provided, and the structure of the first light source portion 41 of the first lamp 40 is different from that of the first embodiment. The first lamp 40 of the present embodiment emits low beam or high beam toward the front of the vehicle 10.

[0240] Figure 22 is a front view schematically showing the first light source portion 41 and the temperature sensor 47 of the present embodiment. In Figure 22 , the light emitting elements 43 in the first light source portion 41 are respectively shown as light emitting elements 43a to 43l. The light emitting elements 43a to 43l are provided in the same structure as the light emitting elements 83a to 83j of the third lamp 80 of the first embodiment, and are arranged in an array of one column in the left-right direction, which is a so-called LED array. The emission surface of each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l, which emits, for example, white light, is provided in a substantially rectangular shape that is longer in the up-down direction.

[0241] The control portion 110 performs supply or stop of power to each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l via the power supply portion and the circuit substrate 45. Thereby, the light emitting elements 43a to 43l from which light is emitted are selected, and the size and shape of the distribution pattern of light formed by light emitted from the first light source portion 41 vary according to the selection. In addition, the control portion 110 adjusts the power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l. For example, the control portion 110 can also adjust the power by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the control portion 110 adjusts the power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l by adjustment of the duty ratio of each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l, and adjusts the light emission amount of each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l by adjustment of the power. The greater the duty ratio, the greater the power applied to the light emitting element 43. The intensity distribution of light in the distribution pattern of light formed by light emitted from the first light source portion 41 is adjusted by adjustment of the light emission amount. Note that the control portion 110 can also adjust the light emission amount of each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l by adjustment of the current supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l.

[0242] Next, in the case where the vehicle headlamp 20 emits high beam in a state where the steering angle is equal to or smaller than a reference angle, the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l are described. The reference angle is set to, for example, 5°, and in this case, the vehicle 10 is set to be in a straight traveling state. Figure 23 is a view showing an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in the straight traveling state of the vehicle 10, and Figure 23 , the height of the rectangle shown in Figure 23 indicates the values of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD. Figure 23The duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown are duty ratios when no temperature derating is performed.

[0243] In the present embodiment, the control section 110 sets the duty ratios 43aD to 43fD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43f in order to 20%, 30%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Also, the control section 110 sets the duty ratios 43lD to 43gD of the light emitting elements 43l to 43g in order to 20%, 30%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% as well. The values of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are stored in the storage section 130, and the control section 110 reads the values from the storage section 130 and controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above. Note that the values of the duty ratios are not particularly limited.

[0244] If the control section 110 controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above, the light emitting elements 43f and 43g on the central side in the left-right direction emit light in the largest amount. Also, in order from the light emitting element 43f to the light emitting element 43a and in order from the light emitting element 43g to the light emitting element 43l, the amount of light emitted decreases. In the light emitting elements 43a to 43l, if the duty ratios are the same, the amount of light emitted is the same, and therefore, the amount of light emitted is symmetrical in the left-right light emitting elements with the light emitting elements 43f and 43g as the reference. Thus, the region in which the intensity of light is the highest, i.e., the hot zone, in the light distribution pattern of the high beam is located in the approximate center of the light distribution pattern of the high beam in the left-right direction.

[0245] Each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l emits heat if it emits light at the above-described duty ratios. The temperature of the first light source section 41 estimated by the temperature sensor 47 as the heat of each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l is output as a temperature signal to the control section 110. The control section 110 performs temperature derating on each of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l based on the temperature signal.

[0246] Next, the temperature derating of the present embodiment in the first light source section 41 will be described. Figure 24 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature T (°C) of the first light source section 41 estimated by the temperature sensor 47 and the duty ratio D (%) of the light emitting elements 43. Figure 24 The horizontal axis of indicates the temperature T, and the vertical axis indicates the duty ratio D. In Figure 24In the present embodiment, the temperatures TO, Tl, T2 are set to 80°C, 110°C, 120°C, for example. The temperature TO is a temperature at which the control section 110 starts temperature derating. In a case where the temperature T is lower than the temperature TO, temperature derating is not performed, and in a case where the temperature T is equal to or higher than the temperature TO, temperature derating is performed. The duty ratio DO corresponding to a temperature lower than the temperature TO is set to 100%, and the duty ratios Dl, D2 corresponding to the temperatures Tl, T2 are set to 50%, 30%, for example. In the duty ratio D2, the amount of reduction in the duty ratio at the time of temperature derating is set to be the largest. The relationship between the temperature T and the duty ratio D, the values of the temperatures TO, Tl, T2, and the values of the duty ratios Dl, D2 are stored in the storage section 130. Note that these values are not particularly limited.

[0247] The control section 110 sets the duty ratio D to be a reference according to the temperature T equal to or higher than the temperature TO in a case where the first light source section 41 is subjected to temperature derating. For example, in a case where the temperature T is the temperature Tl, the control section 110 sets the duty ratio D to be a reference to the duty ratio Dl. In addition, in a case where the temperature T is equal to or higher than the temperature T2, the control section 110 sets the duty ratio D to be a reference to the duty ratio D2 in order to avoid extinction. In the temperature derating of the present embodiment, the control section 110 reduces at least a part of the duty ratios higher than the duty ratio D to be a reference corresponding to the temperature T in the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in a case where the temperature T is equal to or higher than the temperature TO. If the duty ratio is reduced, the light emission amount and the heat generation amount of the light emitting element 43 are reduced, and the temperature of the first light source section 41 is lowered. The control section 110 performs temperature derating based on the duty ratio as described above, but can perform temperature derating based on the current flowing through each of the light emitting elements 43b to 43l. Therefore, the control section 110 can perform temperature derating based on the electric power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 43b to 43l.

[0248] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 20 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0249] Figure 25 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control section 110 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the control flow of the present embodiment includes steps SP31 to SP33. Note that the control flow is not limited thereto. In a state at the start as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle VE is traveling straight, and a light distribution pattern of high beam is formed. The duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l are as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, in the state at the start, the temperature sensor 47 estimates the temperature of the first light source section 41, and inputs a temperature signal to the control section 110. Figure 25 Figure 25 Figure 23

[0250] (Step SP31)

[0251] ​​​In this step, for the control unit 110, if the temperature T shown by the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 47 is lower than the temperature T0, then step SP31 is repeated. Alternatively, for the control unit 110, if the temperature T is higher than the temperature T0, the control flow proceeds to step SP32.

[0252] Regarding the control unit 110, if the temperature T is higher than or equal to temperature T0, the first light source unit 41 is dated. When the first light source unit 41 is dated, the control unit 110 controls the duty cycle of the light-emitting element 43 based on the duty cycle corresponding to that temperature T. Regarding this duty cycle control, in steps SP32 and SP33, the temperature T in step SP31 is, for example, temperature T1. An example of using the duty cycle D1 corresponding to that temperature T1 as the reference duty cycle for temperature dating will be explained.

[0253] (Step SP32)

[0254] In this step, before performing temperature derating, the control unit 110 increases the duty cycle of at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43 that are driven with a duty cycle of less than D1. Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the duty cycle 43aD to 43lD in this step. Figure 26 In order to cooperate with Figure 23 The duty cycles shown are compared from 43aD to 43lD, represented by dashed lines. Figure 23 The duty cycles shown are those before the increase in duty cycle 43aD to 43lD. Since duty cycle D1 is 50%, the duty cycles below D1 are the duty cycles 43aD to 43cD and 43jD to 43lD for light-emitting elements 43a to 43c and 43j to 43l, respectively. Therefore, the control unit 110, for example, changes the duty cycles 43aD to 43cD and 43jD to 43lD from... Figure 23 The state shown is improved. In this step, the control unit 110, for example, increases the duty cycle 43aD, 43lD to a higher level than... Figure 23 The duty cycles 43aD and 43lD shown are larger than duty cycle D1. Furthermore, the control unit 110 increases duty cycles 43bD and 43kD to duty cycle D1, making duty cycles 43cD and 43jD higher than duty cycle D1. In this case, the control unit 110, for example, sets duty cycles 43aD and 43lD to 30%, duty cycles 43bD and 43kD to 50%, and duty cycles 43cD and 43jD to 55%. If the duty cycles 43aD to 43cD and 43jD to 43lD are increased, the light emission of the first light source unit 41 increases, and the light distribution pattern becomes brighter.

[0255] Note that the control section 110 can increase at least one of the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD as described above, and the method of increasing the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD is not limited to the above. For example, the control section 110 can preferentially increase the duty ratio that is larger than the duty ratio Dl among the duty ratios below the duty ratio Dl than the other duty ratios as described above. Alternatively, the control section 110 can preferentially increase the duty ratio that is smaller than the duty ratio Dl than the other duty ratios as described above. Alternatively, the control section 110 can increase the duty ratio that is larger than the duty ratio Dl to be larger or smaller than the duty ratio that is smaller than the duty ratio Dl. Alternatively, the control section 110 can increase a plurality of the duty ratios below the duty ratio Dl by the same amount. In addition, the control section 110 can not increase any of the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD.

[0256] However, in a case where the light emitting element 43 is driven with the duty ratio Dl, the electric power to be supplied to the light emitting element 43 is set to the first electric power. In this case, the light emitting element 43 driven with a duty ratio larger than the duty ratio Dl is supplied with a second electric power larger than the first electric power, and the light emitting element 43 driven with a duty ratio below the duty ratio Dl is supplied with a third electric power below the first electric power. In step SP32, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l driven with the third electric power below the first electric power.

[0257] In addition, in step SP32, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l to the first electric power or higher than the first electric power in a case where the temperature of the first light source section 41 is reduced. In a case where the electric power is increased to the first electric power, the light emitting element 43b, 43k becomes the object in Figure 26 In this case, the light emitting element that becomes the object is the light emitting element 43b, 43k, and the light distribution pattern becomes brighter than in a case where the electric power is not increased to the first electric power, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in visibility in the front direction. In addition, in a case where the electric power is higher than the first electric power, the light emitting element that becomes the object is the light emitting element 43b, 43k, and the light distribution pattern becomes further brighter than in a case where the electric power is not increased to the first electric power, and it is possible to further suppress the reduction in visibility in the front direction. Figure 26 In this case, the light emitting element that becomes the object is the light emitting element 43b, 43k, and the light distribution pattern becomes brighter than in a case where the electric power is not increased to the first electric power, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in visibility in the front direction. In addition, in a case where the electric power is higher than the first electric power, the light emitting element that becomes the object is the light emitting element 43b, 43k, and the light distribution pattern becomes further brighter than in a case where the electric power is not increased to the first electric power, and it is possible to further suppress the reduction in visibility in the front direction.

[0258] Note that it can also be that, in step SP32, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l driven with the third electric power to be higher than the first electric power and, after a certain time has elapsed, reduces the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements to be below the first electric power. The value of the certain time is, for example, 5 minutes. In Figure 26In this case, the light emitting elements that become the target are the light emitting elements 43c, 43j. If the electric power remains higher than the first electric power, the temperature of the first light source section 41 rises. According to the above-described configuration, if a certain time elapses, the electric power is reduced below the first electric power, and thus the temperature of the first light source section 41 decreases, and the rise in the temperature of the first light source section 41 can be suppressed. Note that the control section 110 can also not reduce the electric power below the first electric power after a certain time elapses.

[0259] In addition, the fourth electric power is supplied to the light emitting elements 43 that are driven at a duty ratio smaller than the duty ratio D1 and at which the third electric power is supplied. The fourth electric power is electric power that is smaller than the first electric power and larger than the third electric power. The control section 110 can also increase the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l to the fourth electric power that is larger than the third electric power and smaller than the first electric power in step SP32 in the case where the temperature reduction of the first light source section 41 is performed. Figure 26 In this case, the light emitting elements that become the target are the light emitting elements 43a, 43l.

[0260] In the case of the control section 110, if the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD are increased, the control flow is made to proceed to step SP33.

[0261] (Step SP33)

[0262] In this step, the control section 110 performs the temperature reduction of the first light source section 41. The control section 110 performs the temperature reduction, for example, 1 second after the end of the control of the duty ratios in step SP32, but can also perform the temperature reduction at the same time as the end of the control, and the timing at which the temperature reduction is performed is not particularly limited. In the temperature reduction, the control section 70 reduces the duty ratios of at least a part of the light emitting elements 43 that are driven at a duty ratio larger than the duty ratio D1 to below the duty ratio D1. Figure 27 is a graph that shows an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in this step, and Figure 27 In this case, in order to compare with the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown in Figure 26 The portion before the reduction in the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown in Figure 26 is indicated by a dotted line. Since the duty ratio D1 is 50%, the duty ratios larger than the duty ratio D1 are the duty ratios 43cD to 43jD of the light emitting elements 43c to 43j. Thus, in this step, the control section 110, for example, reduces the duty ratios 43dD to 43iD of the light emitting elements 43d to 43i to the duty ratio D1, and sets to 50%. If the duty ratios 43dD to 43iD are reduced, the light emission amount and the heat generation amount of the first light source section 41 decrease, and the temperature of the first light source section 41 decreases.

[0263] It should be noted that in this step, in Figure 26 The duty cycle greater than D1 is set to 43cD to 43jD at the indicated time, but it is not limited to the above. For example, a duty cycle greater than D1 can also be set to 43dD to 43iD at the start of the control flow. In this case, the control unit 110 maintains... Figure 27 The duty cycles shown are 43cD and 43jD.

[0264] Furthermore, the control unit 110 may reduce at least one of the duty cycles 43dD to 43iD as described above, and the method for reducing the duty cycles 43dD to 43iD is not limited to the above. For example, the control unit 110 may, as described above, prioritize reducing the duty cycle with the largest difference from duty cycle D1 among those larger than duty cycle D1, compared to other duty cycles. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may, as described above, prioritize reducing the duty cycle with the smallest difference, compared to other duty cycles. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may reduce the duty cycle with the largest difference to a level larger or smaller than the duty cycle with the smallest difference. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may reduce multiple duty cycles larger than duty cycle D1 by the same amount. In addition, the control unit 110 may reduce the duty cycle of at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43f and 43g driven with the largest duty cycle compared to duty cycle D1 to below duty cycle D1.

[0265] However, as described above, a second power greater than the first power is supplied to the light-emitting element 43 driven with a duty cycle greater than D1. In the light-emitting element 43 to which the second power is supplied, in step SP33, the control unit 110 reduces the power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43d to 43i driven with the second power greater than the first power from the second power to below the first power.

[0266] It should be noted that, for the control unit 110, the greater the decrease in power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43d-43i driven by the second power in step SP33, the greater the increase in power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43c, 43j-43l driven by the third power in step SP32. According to the above structure, compared to the case where the decrease in power is greater and the increase in power is less, the light distribution pattern can be brighter. It should also be noted that, for the control unit 110, the increase in power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43c, 43j-43l may not necessarily be the case where the decrease in power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43d-43i is greater.

[0267] As for the control unit 110, if the duty cycle is reduced to 43dD to 43iD, the control process ends.

[0268] As described above, in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41, the control section 110 reduces the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43d to 43i from the second power to below the first power in step SP33. In addition, in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41, the control section 110 increases the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c and 43j to 43l driven with the third power below the first power in step SP32.

[0269] According to the above-described structure, in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41, the power of at least a part of the light emitting elements 43d to 43i driven with the second power is reduced from the second power to below the first power. Therefore, the first light source section 41 is protected from heat from the light emitting elements 43, but there is a tendency for the light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the first light source section 41 to become dark. Therefore, in the above-described structure, the control section 110 increases the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c and 43j to 43l driven with the third power in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41. If the power is increased, the light distribution pattern can become bright. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility in front.

[0270] In addition, in a case where the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41, the control section 110 increases the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c and 43j to 43l in step SP32 before reducing the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43d to 43i driven with the second power from the second power to below the first power in step SP33.

[0271] According to the above-described structure, the light distribution pattern is brightened by the power being increased from the third power before the light distribution pattern is darkened by the power being reduced from the second power to below the first power. Therefore, compared to a case where the light distribution pattern is brightened after being darkened, it is possible to suppress the light distribution pattern from being darker than before temperature derating is performed on the first light source section 41, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility.

[0272] Note that the control section 110 can also perform the step SP32 and the step SP33 simultaneously. Therefore, the control section 110 can also increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l while decreasing the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43d to 43i from the second power to below the first power. Alternatively, the control section 110 can also advance the control flow in the order of the step SP33, the step SP32. Therefore, the control section can also increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l after decreasing the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43d to 43i from the second power to below the first power. In this case, the control section 110 can also increase the power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c, 43j to 43l after decreasing the power to below the first power, for example, after 1 second, or simultaneously with decreasing the power to below the first power.

[0273] (First Modified Example)

[0274] Next, a first modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the control of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the respective light emitting elements 43a to 43l when the vehicle 10 is straight traveling is described. In contrast to this, in the present modified example, the control of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD when the vehicle 10 is turning is described. In the present modified example, the steering angle exceeds the reference angle and becomes a steering angle to the left, and the vehicle 10 is described as a state of turning to the left. Figure 28 FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD indicating the state of the vehicle 10 turning to the left.

[0275] In the vehicle headlamp 20 of the present modification example, in a case where the steering angle indicated by the signal input from the steering sensor to the control portion 110 is a left steering angle, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratios 43bD, 43cD of the light emitting elements 43b, 43c to 100%. In addition, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratios 43aD, 43dD of the light emitting elements 43a, 43d to 80%, sets the duty ratio 43eD of the light emitting element 43e to 70%, and sets the duty ratio 43fD of the light emitting element 43f to 60%. In addition, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratio 43gD of the light emitting element 43g to 50%, and sets the duty ratios 43hD, 43iD of the light emitting elements 43h, 43i to 30%. Furthermore, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratios 43jD, 43kD of the light emitting elements 43j, 43k to 20%, and sets the duty ratio 43lD of the light emitting element 43l to 10%. In the present modification example, the values of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are also stored in the storage portion 130, and the control portion 110 reads out the values from the storage portion 130 and controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above. Note that the above values of the duty ratios are not particularly limited.

[0276] If the control portion 110 controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above, the hot zone in the light distribution pattern of the high beam when the vehicle 10 is turning left deviates to the left side compared to the case where the vehicle 10 is traveling straight. In addition, the intensity distribution of the light in the light distribution pattern of the high beam when the vehicle 10 is turning left changes compared to the case where the vehicle 10 is traveling straight, so that the area on the left side of the light distribution pattern of the high beam is brighter than the area on the right side.

[0277] However, even in the state where the vehicle 10 is turning left, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 20 is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the control flow includes the steps SP31 to SP33, and the temperature derating is performed on the first light source portion 41.

[0278] Figure 29 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in the step SP32. In order to compare the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in the case where the vehicle 10 is turning left with the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in the case where the vehicle 10 is traveling straight, the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in the case where the vehicle 10 is traveling straight are shown by a broken line in Figure 28 and Figure 29 In the graph of Figure 29 , the portions before the increase in the duty ratios shown in Figure 28 are indicated by a broken line. In the present modification example, as in the above-described embodiment, the temperature T input from the temperature sensor 47 to the control portion 110 is the temperature T1, and the duty ratio D1 corresponding to this temperature T1 is used to describe an example of the duty ratio that becomes the reference when the temperature derating is performed. In the present step, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratios 43hD to 43lD of the light emitting elements 43h to 43l from the duty ratios 43hD to 43lD in the case where the vehicle 10 is traveling straight to the duty ratios 43hD to 43lD in the case where the vehicle 10 is turning left. Figure 28The indicated state is improved. For example, control unit 110 makes duty cycles 43hD and 43iD higher than duty cycle D1, and makes duty cycles 43jD and 43kD higher than duty cycle D1. Furthermore, control unit 110 increases duty cycle 43lD to a level higher than... Figure 28 The duty cycle 43lD shown is larger than the duty cycle D1. In this case, the control unit 110 sets the duty cycles 43lD and 43iD to 55%, the duty cycles 43jD and 43kD to 50%, and the duty cycle 43lD to 30%. If the duty cycles 43hD to 43lD are increased, the light emission of the first light source unit 41 increases, and the light distribution pattern becomes brighter.

[0279] Regarding the control unit 110, if the duty cycle is increased from 43hD to 43lD, the control flow will proceed to step SP33.

[0280] In step SP33, the control unit 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source unit 41. During temperature derating, the control unit 110 reduces the duty cycle of at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43, which are driven with a duty cycle greater than D1, to below the duty cycle D1. Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the duty cycle 43aD to 43lD in this step. Figure 30 In order to cooperate with Figure 29 The duty cycles shown are compared from 43aD to 43lD, represented by dotted lines. Figure 29 The portion of the duty cycles 43aD to 43fD shown before reduction. In this step, for example, the control unit 110 reduces the duty cycles 43aD to 43fD of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43f to a duty cycle D1 and sets it to 50%. If the duty cycles 43aD to 43fD are reduced, the light emission and heat generation of the first light source unit 41 decrease, and the temperature of the first light source unit 41 decreases.

[0281] In this modified example, for the control unit 110, if the duty cycle 43aD to 43fD is reduced, the control flow ends. It should be noted that in this modified example, the control unit 110 controls the light-emitting element 43 by the duty cycle as described above, but similarly to the embodiment, the light-emitting element 43 can also be controlled by the power supplied to the light-emitting element 43 driven by the duty cycle as described above.

[0282] (Second variation)

[0283] Next, a second variation of this embodiment will be described. This variation describes the duty cycles 43aD to 43lD of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43l when the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern changes as the vehicle 10 switches from a straight-ahead state to a left-turning state. In this variation, as in the embodiment described above, a duty cycle D1 will be used as a reference for temperature derating.

[0284] In this modified example, the steering angle exceeds the reference angle and becomes a leftward steering angle. The steering sensor outputs a signal related to the steering angle to the control unit 110. Figure 31 This diagram illustrates an example of the duty cycles 43aD to 43lD of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43l after temperature derating, when the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern changes as the vehicle 10 switches from a straight-ahead state to a left-turn state. Figure 31 In order to cooperate with Figure 28 The duty cycles shown are compared from 43aD to 43lD, represented by dotted lines. Figure 28 The portion of the duty cycles 43aD to 43lD shown is before the reduction. The control unit 110 reduces the duty cycles 43aD to 43fD of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43f, which have a duty cycle greater than D1. For example, the control unit 110 reduces the duty cycles 43aD to 43fD to D1 and sets the duty cycles 43aD to 43fD to 50%. It should be noted that the control unit 110 may also reduce the duty cycles of at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43f driven with a duty cycle greater than D1 to below D1. Furthermore, the control unit 110 maintains the duty cycles 43gD to 43lD of the light-emitting elements 43g to 43l driven with a duty cycle below D1 at... Figure 28 The state shown.

[0285] Furthermore, in this modified example, the control unit 110 makes Figure 31 The duty cycle shown is 43aD to 43cD. Figure 23 The duty cycles of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43c shown are high, as are those of 43aD to 43cD. Figure 31 In order to cooperate with Figure 23 The duty cycles shown are 43aD to 43cD, and are represented by dashed lines. Figure 23 The duty cycles 43aD to 43cD shown are the portions before the increase. Therefore, when the control unit 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source unit 41 after changing the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern, it increases the duty cycles 43aD to 43cD below the duty cycle D1 before changing the light intensity distribution. In this case, for example, the control unit 110 increases the duty cycles 43aD to 43cD to the duty cycle D1 and sets the duty cycles 43aD to 43cD to 50%. It should be noted that the control unit 110 may also increase the duty cycle of at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43c as described above.

[0286] In this modified example, the control unit 110 controls the light-emitting element 43 by the duty cycle as described above, but it can also control the light-emitting element 43 by the power supplied to the light-emitting element 43 driven by the duty cycle as described above. Therefore, the control of the light-emitting element 43 using electricity will be described below. In this modified example, the control unit 110 controls the light-emitting element 43 by the duty cycle as described above. Figure 31 When temperature derating is performed after changing the light intensity distribution, the power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43f, which are driven by a second power greater than the first power, is reduced to below the first power. Furthermore, in this modified example, the control unit 110... Figure 31 As shown, when the light intensity distribution is altered and temperature derating is applied, such as... Figure 23 The power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43c, which are driven by a third power lower than the first power, is increased before the light intensity distribution is changed. In this modified example, the control unit 110 increases the power to the first power as described above.

[0287] As described above, when the control unit 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source unit 41 after changing the light intensity distribution, it reduces the power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43f driven by the second power to below the first power. Furthermore, when the control unit 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source unit 41 after changing the light intensity distribution, it increases the power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43c driven by the third power before changing the light intensity distribution.

[0288] According to the above structure, even when the control unit 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source unit 41 after changing the light intensity distribution, the first light source unit 41 is protected from the heat from the light-emitting element 43, but the light distribution pattern tends to darken. Therefore, in the above structure, when the control unit 110 performs temperature derating after changing the light intensity distribution, it increases the power supplied to at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43c driven by the third power before changing the light intensity distribution. If the power is increased, the light distribution pattern can become brighter. Therefore, even when the control unit 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source unit 41 after changing the light intensity distribution, the reduction in forward visibility can be suppressed compared to the case where the power is not increased. In addition, if the power is increased, the reduction in visibility can be further suppressed at night.

[0289] It should be noted that the control unit 110 can also be used Figure 31 The sum of the reductions in duty cycles 43aD to 43fD towards duty cycle D1 shown is... Figure 27 The sum of the decreases in duty cycles 43dD to 43iD towards duty cycle D1 may be greater than, less than, or the same as this sum. Additionally, Figure 31The duty ratios 43aD to 43cD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c shown are higher than Figure 27 The duty ratios 43aD to 43cD shown are higher than Figure 31 The duty ratios 43aD to 43cD shown are higher than Figure 27 The duty ratios 43dD to 43iD shown are less than the total of the amounts of increase in the duty ratio D1, but can be the same as or more than them.

[0290] (Third Modified Example)

[0291] Next, a third modified example of the present embodiment will be described. The control of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l when the vehicle 10 switches from the straight traveling state to the left turn state and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern is changed is not limited to the above. In the present modified example, as in the embodiment, an example in which the duty ratio D1 is used as the reference duty ratio at the time of temperature derating will be described.

[0292] Figure 32 is a view showing another example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l when the vehicle 10 switches from the straight traveling state to the left turn state and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern is changed. In Figure 32 , in order to compare with Figure 28 the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown, the portions before the decrease in the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown are indicated by dotted lines. Figure 28

[0293] As in the second modified example, in the present modified example, the control section 110 decreases the duty ratios 43dD to 43fD of the light emitting elements 43d to 43f which are larger than the duty ratio D1 among the light emitting elements 43a to 43l. For example, the control section 110 decreases the duty ratios 43dD to 43fD to the duty ratio D1, and sets the duty ratios 43aD to 43fD to 50%.

[0294] In addition, the control section 110 decreases the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c shown in Figure 32 the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD shown are higher than Figure 23 the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD shown are higher than Figure 32 In Figure 23 , in order to compare with Figure 23 ​The illustrated part of the duty ratio 43aD to 43cD before the increase. Therefore, the control section 110 makes the duty ratio 43aD to 43cD higher than the duty ratio Dl before the change in the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section 41 after the change in the intensity distribution of light. In this case, for example, the control section 110 sets the duty ratio 43aD to 43cD to 80%, 100%, 100%. Note that the control section 110 can increase the duty ratio of at least one of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c as described above.

[0295] In the present modification, the control section 110 controls the light emitting elements 43 by the duty ratio as described above, but can also control the light emitting elements 43 by the electric power as described above. Therefore, the control of the light emitting elements 43 using the electric power is described below. In the present modification, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the control section 110 makes the electric power supplied to at least one of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c driven by the third electric power below the first electric power higher than the first electric power before the change in the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed after the change in the intensity distribution of light. Figure 32

[0296] According to the above-described structure, the light distribution pattern is further brightened compared to the case where the electric power is not increased to the first electric power, and the decrease in the visibility in the front can be further suppressed.

[0297] Note that the control section 110 can also make at least one of the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD higher than the duty ratio Dl and decrease to below the duty ratio Dl after a certain time elapses. Therefore, the control section 110 can also make the electric power supplied to at least one of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c driven by the third electric power higher than the first electric power before the change in the intensity distribution of light and decrease the electric power supplied to at least one of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c to below the first electric power after a certain time elapses in the case where the temperature derating is performed on the first light source section 41 after the change in the intensity distribution of light. If the electric power of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c is kept higher than the first electric power, the temperature of the first light source section 41 increases. According to the above-described structure, the electric power is decreased to below the first electric power if a certain time elapses, and therefore, the temperature of the first light source section 41 decreases, and the increase in the temperature of the first light source section 41 can be suppressed.

[0298] ​Further, in the control section 110, the greater the decrease in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43d to 43f driven by the second electric power, the greater the increase in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c driven by the third electric power. According to the above-described configuration, the light distribution pattern can be brightened compared to a case where the greater the decrease in the electric power, the smaller the increase in the electric power. Note that, in the control section 110, the greater the decrease in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43d to 43f, the greater the increase in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c can not be the case.

[0299] Further, in the control section 110, the greater the decrease in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43d to 43f driven by the second electric power, the greater the increase in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c driven by the third electric power. According to the above-described configuration, the light distribution pattern can be brightened compared to a case where the greater the decrease in the electric power, the smaller the increase in the electric power. Note that, in the control section 110, the greater the decrease in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43d to 43f, the greater the increase in the electric power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c can not be the case. Figure 32

[0300] (Third Embodiment)

[0301] Next, a third embodiment of the second aspect of the present application will be described in detail. Note that, for the same or equivalent components as those of the second embodiment of the second aspect, the same reference numerals are used and overlapping descriptions will be omitted except for cases where specifically described.

[0302] The vehicle 10 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment except for the detection device 150. The detection device 150 of the present embodiment detects a preceding vehicle located in front of the vehicle 10. The detection device 150 mainly includes, for example, a camera not shown, a detection section, a calculation section, a determination section, and the like.

[0303] The camera is installed at a front portion of the vehicle 10 and captures the front of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined time interval, for example, at an interval of 1 / 30 seconds. At least a portion of a region irradiated with light emitted from the pair of light fixture units 30 is included in a captured image captured by the camera. As the camera, a CMOS (Complementary metal oxide semiconductor) camera or a CCD (Charged coupled device) camera can be used, for example.

[0304] ​The detection section detects information such as the presence of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, the position of the presence of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, the proportion of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, and the amount of change in the size of the preceding vehicle in the captured image over time from the captured image captured by the camera. In a case where the vehicle 10 moves away from the preceding vehicle over time and approaches the preceding vehicle, the amount of change in the size of the preceding vehicle in the captured image becomes small. In addition, in a case where the vehicle 10 advances over time and the vehicle 10 further approaches the preceding vehicle, the amount of change in the size of the preceding vehicle further becomes large. The size of the preceding vehicle indicates, for example, the proportion of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, or the width of the preceding vehicle in the captured image. A pair of light points of a red color formed by light emitted from the tail light of the preceding vehicle is reflected in the captured image. The detection section detects the preceding vehicle based on the light. In a case where the preceding vehicle is detected from the captured image, the detection section outputs a signal indicating information such as the captured image, the presence of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, the position of the presence of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, the proportion of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, and the amount of change in the size of the preceding vehicle in the captured image over time to the calculation section. On the other hand, in a case where the preceding vehicle is not detected from the captured image, the detection section does not output the signal to the calculation section. In addition, the detection device 150 outputs the captured image to the storage section 130, and the storage section 130 stores the captured image. As the structure of the detection section, the same structure as the control section 110 can be cited, for example.

[0305] The calculation section calculates the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle based on the information from the detection section. The calculation section calculates the distance based on the proportion and the amount of change in the information from the detection section. Note that the calculation section can calculate the distance by another method. For example, a pair of light points of a red color formed by light emitted from the tail light of the preceding vehicle is reflected in the captured image. The calculation section calculates the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle based on the distance between the pair of light points of the red color, and the like. The calculation section outputs a signal indicating the calculated distance to the determination section. As the structure of the calculation section, the same structure as the control section 110 can be cited, for example.

[0306] If a signal indicating the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle is input from the calculation section to the determination section, the determination section reads out a prescribed necessary condition from the storage section 130, and determines whether or not it is a state in which the distance satisfies the prescribed necessary condition. The determination section outputs a signal indicating that the distance satisfies the prescribed necessary condition to the control section 110 in the case of being in a state in which the distance satisfies the prescribed necessary condition, and does not output a signal to the control section 110 in the case of being in a state in which the distance does not satisfy the prescribed necessary condition. Note that the signal from the determination section can also be input to the control section 110 via the ECU. The state in which the prescribed necessary condition is satisfied is, for example, a state in which the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle is lower than a prescribed distance. In this way, the determination section determines whether or not it is a state in which the distance satisfies the prescribed necessary condition, based on the signal input from the calculation section. The prescribed distance is, for example, 130 m, and the numerical value of the distance is stored in the storage section 130 as a threshold value. The numerical value can also be able to be changed as appropriate in accordance with the driving conditions of the vehicle 10, such as during the day or at night, and the like. As the structure of the determination section, the same structure as the control section 110 can be cited, for example.

[0307] The object detected by the detection device 150, the number of types of the object, the structure of the detection device 150, and the method of detecting the preceding vehicle based on the detection device 150 are not particularly limited. In addition, the method of calculating the distance from the vehicle 10 to the preceding vehicle, the information detected by the detection section, and the information input from the calculation section to the determination section are also not particularly limited. For example, the detection device 150 can also be provided with an image processing section that performs image processing on a captured image captured by a camera. The detection section can also detect information such as the presence of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, the position of the presence of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, the proportion of the preceding vehicle in the captured image, and the amount of change in size of the preceding vehicle in the captured image over time from the information on which image processing has been performed by the image processing section. In addition, the detection device 150 can also be provided with a millimeter wave radar or a laser radar or the like that is capable of detecting an object located in front of the vehicle 10. The detection section can also detect the presence of the preceding vehicle located in front of the vehicle 10, the position of the preceding vehicle with respect to the vehicle 10, and the distance from the vehicle 10 to the preceding vehicle, based on the captured image captured by the camera and the signal input from the millimeter wave radar or the laser radar or the like.

[0308] Next, the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the respective light emitting elements 43a to 43l in the case in which the vehicle headlamp 20 emits high beam in a state in which the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle is lower than a prescribed distance will be described. Figure 33 FIG. 8 is a view that is an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in a state in which the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle is lower than a prescribed distance. Figure 33 The duty ratios 43aD to 43lD illustrated are duty ratios when temperature derating is not performed. Note that in the case in which a signal is not input from the determination section to the control section 110, the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are as illustrated in FIG. 7. Figure 23indicated.

[0309] In the vehicle headlamp 20 of the present embodiment, if a signal is input from the determination section to the control section 110, the control section 110 sets the duty ratios 43eD to 43hD of the light emitting elements 43e to 43h to 0%, and sets the duty ratios 43dD, 43iD of the light emitting elements 43d, 43i to 100%. In Figure 33 , the rectangular portions in the light emitting elements 43e to 43h are omitted because the duty ratios 43eD to 43hD are 0%. In addition, the control section 110 sets the duty ratios 43cD, 43jD of the light emitting elements 43c, 43j to 80%, the duty ratios 43bD, 43kD of the light emitting elements 43b, 43k to 60%, and the duty ratios 43aD, 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l to 40%. The values of the above-mentioned duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are stored in the storage section 130, and the control section 110 reads out the values from the storage section 130 and controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above. Note that the above-mentioned values of the duty ratios are not particularly limited.

[0310] If the control section 110 controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above, the light emitting elements 43e to 43h are turned off, the light emission amount decreases in the order from the light emitting element 43d to the light emitting element 43a and in the order from the light emitting element 43i to the light emitting element 43l, and the light emission amount is symmetrical between the left and right light emitting elements. By the above, the region overlapping the preceding vehicle in the light distribution pattern of the high beam becomes a non-projection region in which light is not projected, and the irradiation of the high beam to the preceding vehicle is suppressed. In addition, light is projected to the region other than the non-projection region in the light distribution pattern of the high beam. Note that the values of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are not particularly limited as long as the region overlapping the preceding vehicle in the light distribution pattern is darkened. Therefore, the control section 110 does not need to set the duty ratios 43eD to 43hD to 0%.

[0311] However, even in the state where the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle is lower than the prescribed distance as described above, the control section 110 performs temperature derating on the first light source section 41. For the temperature derating of the present embodiment, as with the first embodiment, an example in which the duty ratio D1 is used as an example of the duty ratio that becomes a reference when temperature derating is performed is described.

[0312] Figure 34 is a view indicating an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the respective light emitting elements 43a to 43l after temperature derating in the state where the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle is lower than the prescribed distance. In Figure 34 , the portion before reduction in the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD indicated in Figure 33 is indicated by a dotted line for comparison with the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD indicated in Figure 33 .

[0313] The control section 110 reduces the duty ratios 43dD, 43iD of the light emitting elements 43d, 43i, which are a part of the light emitting elements 43b to 43d, 43i to 43k driven at a duty ratio greater than the duty ratio Dl, to the duty ratio Dl and sets them to 50%. In addition, the control section 110 maintains the duty ratios 43bD, 43cD, 43jD, 43kD of the remaining light emitting elements 43b, 43c, 43j, 43k, which are a part of the light emitting elements 43b to 43d, 43i to 43k driven at a duty ratio greater than the duty ratio Dl, at the states shown in Figure 33 . Note that the control section 110 can also reduce the duty ratios of at least a part of the light emitting elements 43b to 43d, 43i to 43k, which are driven at a duty ratio greater than the duty ratio Dl, to a duty ratio of less than or equal to the duty ratio Dl. In addition, the control section 110 maintains the duty ratios 43aD, 43eD to 43hD, 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a, 43e to 43h, 43l, which are driven at a duty ratio of less than or equal to the duty ratio Dl, among the light emitting elements 43a to 43l, at the states shown in Figure 33 .

[0314] If the duty ratios 43dD, 43iD are reduced, the light emission amount and the heat emission amount of the first light source section 41 decrease, and the temperature of the first light source section 41 decreases.

[0315] Next, the control of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l when the vehicle 10 is straight ahead and the distance from the vehicle 10 to the preceding vehicle is less than or equal to the prescribed distance and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern is changed will be described.

[0316] The control section 110 makes the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD shown in Figure 34 higher than the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD shown in Figure 23 . In Figure 34 , in order to compare with the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD shown in Figure 23 , the portions of the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD shown in Figure 23 , which are increased, are indicated by broken lines. The control section 110 increases the duty ratios 43aD, 43lD to a duty ratio smaller than the duty ratio Dl and sets them to 40%. Thus, the control section 110 increases a part of the duty ratios 43aD, 43lD, which are smaller than the duty ratio Dl, to a duty ratio greater than the duty ratios 43aD, 43lD and smaller than the duty ratio Dl before the intensity distribution of light is changed in the case where the temperature derating is performed after the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern is changed.

[0317] In the present modification, the control section 110 controls the light emitting elements 43 by the duty ratio as described above, but can also control the light emitting elements 43 by the electric power supplied to the light emitting elements 43 driven with the duty ratio as described above. Therefore, the control of the light emitting elements 43 using the electric power will be described below. In the present modification, as described above, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l driven with the third electric power below the first electric power before changing the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed after changing the intensity distribution of light. Figure 34 As described above, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l driven with the third electric power below the first electric power before changing the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed after changing the intensity distribution of light.

[0318] According to the above-described structure, the light emitting amount of the first light source section 41 increases compared with the case where the electric power is not increased to the fourth electric power after the control section 110 changes the intensity distribution of light, and the light distribution pattern can be brightened.

[0319] Further, for example, the control section 110 increases the duty ratios 43bD, 43cD, 43jD, 43kD of the light emitting elements 43b, 43c, 43j, 43k to be higher than the duty ratio Dl as described above. Figure 34 As described above, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l driven with the third electric power below the first electric power before changing the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed after changing the intensity distribution of light. Figure 23 As described above, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l driven with the third electric power below the first electric power before changing the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed after changing the intensity distribution of light. Figure 34 As described above, the control section 110 increases the electric power supplied to at least a part of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l driven with the third electric power below the first electric power before changing the intensity distribution of light in the case where the temperature derating is performed after changing the intensity distribution of light.

[0320] According to the above-described structure, the light emitting amount of the first light source section 41 further increases after the control section 110 changes the intensity distribution of light of the light distribution pattern, the light distribution pattern is further brightened, and the decrease in visibility in the front direction can be suppressed.

[0321] In addition, if the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD are increased as described above, the regions other than the non-projection region in the light distribution pattern are brighter than when the vehicle 10 is straight ahead, and the decrease in visibility of the driver is suppressed. Note that the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD, 43jD to 43lD can also be increased to the duty ratio D1.

[0322] (Modified Example)

[0323] Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described. The structure of the vehicle 10 of the present modified example is the same as that of the vehicle 10 of the first embodiment except for the detection device 150. In the present modified example, the detection device 150 detects raindrops.

[0324] The detection device 150 of the present modified example mainly includes a rain sensor that detects the amount of raindrops attached to the windshield of the vehicle 10. The rain sensor includes an LED as a light-emitting element that emits infrared rays, a photodiode as a light-receiving element, and a detection section. The infrared rays emitted from the vehicle compartment side to the outside by the LED are totally reflected by the windshield, but in the case where raindrops are attached to the surface of the windshield, a part of the infrared rays is transmitted through the raindrops to the outside. Therefore, the amount of reflection of the infrared rays on the windshield decreases, and the amount of light of the infrared rays entering the photodiode as the light-receiving element decreases. The detection section detects the presence or absence of raindrops and the amount of attachment of raindrops on the surface of the windshield based on the amount of decrease in the light. Alternatively, the rain sensor can mainly include a camera that captures the windshield of the vehicle 10 and a detection section that detects raindrops attached to the windshield from a captured image of the windshield captured by the camera. The structure of the above-described detection section is configured to be the same as that of the control section 110. The structure of the rain sensor or the installation position of the rain sensor is not particularly limited as long as raindrops can be detected. The rain sensor is electrically connected to the control section 110 and outputs a signal indicating the presence of raindrops and the amount of attachment of raindrops to the control section 110. Note that the rain sensor does not output a signal to the control section 110 in the case where no raindrops are detected. The signal from the rain sensor can also be input to the control section 110 via the ECU. The rain sensor can also detect snow.

[0325] Next, the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the respective light-emitting elements 43a to 43l will be described in the case where the vehicle headlamp 20 emits high beams in a state where the vehicle 10 is in a rainy day. Figure 35 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD in a state where the vehicle 10 is in a rainy day. Figure 35 The duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown in the graph are duty ratios when no temperature derating is performed. Note that in the case where no signal is input from the rain sensor to the control section 110, the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are as shown in Figure 23 .

[0326] In the vehicle headlamp 20 of the present embodiment, if a signal is input from the rain sensor, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratios 43aD, 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a, 43l to 80%, and sets the duty ratios 43bD, 43kD of the light emitting elements 43b, 43k to 70%. In addition, the control portion 110 sets the duty ratios 43cD, 43dD, 43iD, 43jD of the light emitting elements 43c, 43d, 43i, 43j to 60%, and sets the duty ratios 43eD to 43hD of the light emitting elements 43e to 43h to 40%. The values of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD are stored in the storage portion 130, and the control portion 110 reads out these values from the storage portion 130, and controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above. Note that the above values of the duty ratios are not particularly limited.

[0327] If the control portion 110 controls the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD as described above, the light emitting amounts of the light emitting elements 43e to 43h located on the central side in the left-right direction are the least. In addition, the light emitting amounts increase in the order from the light emitting element 43d to the light emitting element 43a and in the order from the light emitting element 43i to the light emitting element 43l, and the light emitting amounts are symmetrical in the light emitting elements on the left and right. By the above, the regions on the both end sides in the left and right of the central side become brighter in the light distribution pattern of the high beam. The values of the duty ratios in this case are not particularly limited as long as the regions on the both end sides in the left and right of the central side become brighter in the light distribution pattern of the high beam.

[0328] However, even in the state where the vehicle 10 is in the rainy weather as described above, the control portion 110 performs the temperature derating on the first light source portion 41. For the temperature derating of the present modification, the duty ratio Dl is used in an example of the duty ratio that becomes a reference when the temperature derating is performed, as in the first embodiment.

[0329] Figure 36 is a graph showing an example of the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD of the light emitting elements 43a to 43l after the temperature derating in the state where the vehicle 10 is in the rainy weather. In Figure 36 , in order to compare with the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown in Figure 35 , the portions before the decrease in the duty ratios 43aD to 43lD shown in Figure 35 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0330] The control unit 110 reduces the duty cycles 43dD and 43iD of a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43d and 43i-43l, which are driven with a duty cycle greater than D1, to D1 and sets them to 50%. Additionally, the control unit 110 maintains the duty cycles 43aD-43cD and 43jD-43l of the remaining portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43d and 43i-43l at [missing value]. Figure 35 The state shown. It should be noted that the control unit 110 can also reduce the duty cycle of at least a portion of the light-emitting elements 43a-43d, 43i-43l driven with a duty cycle greater than D1 to below D1. Additionally, the control unit 110 maintains the duty cycle of light-emitting elements 43e-43h among the light-emitting elements 43a-43l driven with a duty cycle below D1 at... Figure 35 The state shown.

[0331] If the duty cycles 43dD and 43iD decrease, the light emission and heat generation of the first light source section 41 decrease, and the temperature of the first light source section 41 decreases.

[0332] Next, the control of the duty cycles 43aD to 43lD of the light-emitting elements 43a to 43l when the vehicle 10 is traveling straight and the state changes from the state where the vehicle 10 is not in the rain to the state where the vehicle 10 is in the rain and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern changes will be explained.

[0333] Control Unit 110 Figure 36 The duty cycles of the light-emitting elements 43a-43c, 43j-43l shown are 43aD-43cD, 43jD-43lD and Figure 23 The duty cycles of the light-emitting elements 43a-43c, 43j-43l shown are higher than that of D1 compared to 43aD-43cD and 43jD-43lD. Figure 36 In order to cooperate with Figure 23 The duty cycles 43aD~43cD and 43jD~43lD shown are compared and represented by dashed lines. Figure 23The portions of the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD and 43jD to 43lD before the increase are shown. The control section 110 sets the duty ratios 43aD and 43lD to 80%, the duty ratios 43bD and 43kD to 70%, and the duty ratios 43cD and 43jD to 90%. Thus, the control section 110 makes the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD and 43jD to 43lD, which are smaller than the duty ratio D1, higher than the duty ratio D1 before the intensity distribution of light is changed in the case where the temperature derating is performed after the intensity distribution of light is changed. Note that the control section 110 can increase at least some of the duty ratios 43aD to 43cD and 43jD to 43lD as described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the control section 110 makes the power supplied to at least some of the light emitting elements 43a to 43c and 43j to 43l, which are driven by the third power lower than the first power, higher than the first power in the case where the temperature derating is performed after the intensity distribution of light is changed. Figure 36

[0334] According to the above-described structure, the amount of light emission of the first light source section 41 is further increased, the light distribution pattern is further brightened, and the reduction in the visibility in the front can be further suppressed after the control section 110 changes the intensity distribution of light of the light distribution pattern.

[0335] The second mode of the present application has been described above with reference to the second and third embodiments and the modified examples described above, but the present mode is not limited to this.

[0336] The control of the duty ratio using the light distribution pattern of the high beam has been described, but the control can be performed similarly to the light distribution pattern of the high beam in the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

[0337] The control section 110 controls the duty ratios of the light emitting elements 43 in the left and right first fixtures 40 based on the temperatures of the first light source sections 41 through the temperature sensors 47 of the left and right first fixtures 40, but is not limited to this. For example, the temperature sensor 47 can be provided in one of the left and right first fixtures 40, and the control section 110 can control the duty ratios of the light emitting elements in the left and right first fixtures 40 based on the temperature of the first light source section 41 in the one fixture.

[0338] According to the present application, a vehicle headlamp capable of suppressing the reduction in the visibility in the front in the case where the temperature derating is performed is provided, and can be used in the field of vehicle headlamps for automobiles and the like.​

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight, characterized in that, have: The first light source has a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix such that the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix to illuminate the respective areas of first light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements. The second light source emits a second beam. as well as Control Department The near beam is formed by a first light distribution pattern and a second light distribution pattern, wherein the first light distribution pattern is formed by at least a portion of the first light, and the second light distribution pattern is formed by the second light. The low beam light distribution pattern includes a first region where a portion of the first light distribution pattern overlaps with a portion of the second light distribution pattern, and a second region where another portion of the first light distribution pattern does not overlap with the second light distribution pattern but is continuous with the first region and located above the first region. When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source based on its temperature while forming the near-beam light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to each of the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the amount of first light illuminating at least a portion of the first region in the first light distribution pattern is reduced compared to before the temperature derating. When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the near-light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the amount of light irradiating at least a portion of the second region is reduced compared to before the temperature derating, and the amount of light irradiating at least a portion of the first region is reduced more than the amount of light irradiating at least a portion of the second region.

2. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the near-beam light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the amount of light irradiating at least a portion of the second region is reduced compared to before the temperature derating, and the amount of light irradiating at least a portion of the second region is reduced later than the amount of light irradiating at least a portion of the first region.

3. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the near-light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively, so that the amount of light in the first light distribution pattern decreases from the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern contained in the second region toward the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern contained in the first region.

4. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the near-beam light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively, so that the amount of light in the first light distribution pattern decreases from the hot zone of the near-beam light distribution pattern toward the periphery of the first light distribution pattern.

5. The vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also has a third light source section that emits a third beam. The high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the first light distribution pattern, the second light distribution pattern, and the third light distribution pattern formed by the third light. In the high beam light distribution pattern, at least a portion of the second region overlaps with a portion of the third light distribution pattern. When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the light distribution pattern of the far beam, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively, so that the amount of light illuminating at least a portion of the first light in the second region that overlaps with a part of the third light distribution pattern and at least one of the first region is reduced compared to before the temperature derating.

6. The vehicle headlight according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the light distribution pattern of the far beam, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively, so that the amount of light of the first light illuminating at least a portion of the first region is reduced more than the amount of light of the first light illuminating at least a portion of the third region.

7. The vehicle headlight according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the light distribution pattern of the far beam, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the amount of light from the first light illuminating at least a portion of the third region decreases later than the amount of light from the first light illuminating at least a portion of the first region.

8. The vehicle headlight according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the high beam light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively, so that the amount of light in the first light distribution pattern decreases from the upper edge of the first light distribution pattern contained in the third region toward the lower edge of the first light distribution pattern contained in the first region.

9. The vehicle headlight according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the control unit performs temperature derating on the first light source unit while forming the high beam light distribution pattern, it controls the power supplied to the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively, so that the amount of light in the first light distribution pattern decreases from the hot zone of the high beam light distribution pattern toward the periphery of the first light distribution pattern.

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