Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp (20) includes right and left lamps (40) and a control unit (110). Right and left light distribution patterns (430) and (450) include an overlapping region (471) and a non-overlapping region (473). When a steering angle is greater than a predetermined angle, the control unit (110) controls power supplied to light emitting portions of the right and left lamps so that a first region of a first light distribution pattern is located in the non-overlapping region (473), a second region of a second light distribution pattern is located in the overlapping region (471), and a first intensity of light in the first region is higher than a sum of a second intensity of light in the second region and a third intensity of light in a region of the first light distribution pattern that overlaps the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to headlights for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicle headlights, multiple light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and LDs (Laser Diodes) are sometimes used. When light is emitted from each of these elements, a light distribution pattern is formed in front of the vehicle. For example, in the case of a high beam light distribution pattern, by adjusting the current supplied to each light-emitting element, the area with the highest intensity in the light distribution pattern, i.e., the hottest area, can be rotated left or right. This rotation is sometimes referred to as electronic rotation. In the vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1 below, electronic rotation occurs in response to the vehicle's steering angle.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-77451 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally, the lamps are positioned on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle. When light is emitted from each lamp, a light distribution pattern is formed. This light distribution pattern includes a right-side light distribution pattern formed by light from the right-side lamp and a left-side light distribution pattern formed by light from the left-side lamp. In this light distribution pattern, sometimes the right-side light distribution pattern is shifted to the right relative to the left-side light distribution pattern, such that the left edge of the right-side light distribution pattern overlaps with the right edge of the left-side light distribution pattern, the right edge of the right-side light distribution pattern does not overlap with the left-side light distribution pattern, and the left edge of the left-side light distribution pattern does not overlap with the right-side light distribution pattern.

[0007] When a vehicle is turning, the driver tends to turn their gaze towards the side of the turn to confirm the view ahead. In this situation, when using high beams, to improve visibility on the turning side, it is sometimes preferable to use electronic rotation to brighten that side of the high beam's beam pattern. For example, when the vehicle is turning right, the heat zones of both the right and left beam patterns rotate to the right following the steering angle. However, if the steering angle is too large, the heat zone of the left beam pattern may be located at the right end of the left beam pattern, while the heat zone of the right beam pattern may be located at the right end of the right beam pattern, not overlapping with the left beam pattern. Therefore, the heat zone of the right beam pattern may sometimes be shifted to the right compared to the heat zone of the left beam pattern. This shift in heat zone can result in two peaks in the intensity distribution of the high beam's beam pattern. If two peaks are formed, the area corresponding to the valley of intensity between the two peaks in the high beam's beam pattern becomes darker than the areas on either side of the valley. If the area corresponding to the valley is located in the driver's line of sight, there are cases where part of the area that the driver identifies as the target area in their line of sight becomes darker than other parts, causing a sense of disharmony, and the visibility of the side of the vehicle that is turning is reduced.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlight that can suppress the reduction of visibility on the side of the vehicle turning when electronic rotation is performed.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the vehicle headlight of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a right-side lamp having a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed on the right side of the vehicle, wherein light from the plurality of light-emitting portions forms a right-side light distribution pattern as part of a high-beam light distribution pattern; a left-side lamp having a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed on the left side of the vehicle, wherein light from the plurality of light-emitting portions forms a left-side light distribution pattern as another part of the high-beam light distribution pattern on the left side of the right-side light distribution pattern; and a control unit that controls the power supplied to each light-emitting portion of the right-side lamp and the power supplied to each light-emitting portion of the left-side lamp, such that the region of highest light intensity in the right-side light distribution pattern and the region of highest light intensity in the left-side light distribution pattern move left and right within each light distribution pattern according to the steering angle of the vehicle, wherein the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern respectively include the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern. When the steering angle is larger than a predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each of the right-side and left-side lamps when the overlapping areas of the side light distribution patterns overlap and the non-overlapping areas of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns do not overlap. This is to ensure that the first region with the highest light intensity in the light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle turning (i.e., the first light distribution pattern) of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns is located in the non-overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern, and the second region with the highest light intensity in the light distribution pattern on the side opposite to the turning side of the vehicle (i.e., the second light distribution pattern) of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns is located in the overlapping area. Furthermore, the first intensity of the light in the first region is higher than the sum of the second intensity of the light in the second region and the third intensity of the light in the region of the first light distribution pattern that overlaps with the second region.

[0010] In the headlights of this vehicle, for example, when the sum of the second and third intensities is greater than or equal to the first intensity, two peaks sometimes form in the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern composed of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns. If two peaks form, the area corresponding to the valley in the intensity distribution between the two peaks in the light distribution pattern is darker than the areas on either side of the valley. However, when the vehicle is turning, the driver tends to direct their gaze towards the side of the turn to confirm what is ahead. If the steering angle is larger than a predetermined angle, and if the area corresponding to the valley and the areas on either side of the valley are within the driver's line of sight, there is a sense of disharmony as part of the area perceived as the driver's line of sight is darker than the other parts, and the visibility of the side of the turn is reduced. In particular, if the valley is formed like a step, it becomes even more difficult to visually confirm. However, in the above configuration, since the first intensity is higher than the sum of the second and third intensities, the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern formed by the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns can gradually decrease as it moves away from the peak in the left and right directions. Therefore, the formation of valleys can be suppressed, driver discomfort can be reduced, and reduced visibility on the side where the vehicle is turning can be prevented.

[0011] Alternatively, when the steering angle is larger than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each of the opposite sides of the right-hand lamp and the left-hand lamp, so that the first intensity is higher than the intensity of the light in the overlapping area of ​​the light distribution pattern formed by the right-hand light distribution pattern and the left-hand light distribution pattern.

[0012] In this vehicle headlight, when the steering angle is larger than a predetermined angle and the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns is greater than a first intensity, sometimes the peak of the intensity distribution of the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns will be formed closer to the center side of the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns than the side of the vehicle that is turning. In this case, from the driver's perspective, the center side of the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns is brighter than the side of the vehicle that tends to be looked at when the vehicle is turning, making it difficult to visually confirm the side of the vehicle that is turning. However, as described above, when the first intensity is higher than the light intensity in the overlapping area, the side of the vehicle that is turning is brighter in the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns, and the side of the vehicle that is turning in the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns may become brighter than the center side of the light distribution patterns formed by the right and left light distribution patterns. Therefore, it is easy to visually confirm the side of the vehicle that is turning.

[0013] Alternatively, when the steering angle is larger than the specified angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each lamp on the opposite side, so that the light intensity in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping region of the second light distribution pattern.

[0014] In this vehicle headlight, when the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern is greater than or equal to the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the second light distribution pattern, in a light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns, from the driver's viewpoint, sometimes the central side of the light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns appears brighter than the side of the vehicle turning in the light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns, making it difficult to visually confirm the turning side of the vehicle. In contrast, when the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the second light distribution pattern, the turning side of the vehicle in the light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns can become brighter than the central side of the light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns. Therefore, compared to the case where the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the second light distribution pattern is greater than or equal to the light intensity in the overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern, the turning side of the vehicle can be easily visually confirmed.

[0015] Alternatively, when the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light-emitting portion of each of the right-hand and left-hand lights on the side of the vehicle turning, so that the first intensity becomes higher compared to the case where the steering angle is below the predetermined angle.

[0016] In this vehicle headlight, when the third region, where the light intensity is highest in the light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns, is located in an overlapping region, the intensity in the third region is the sum of the first and second intensities. However, when the third region is located in a non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern, the intensity in the third region is the first intensity. If the first intensity is the same whether the third region is in an overlapping or non-overlapping region, the intensity in the third region is lower when the third region is in a non-overlapping region compared to when the third region is in an overlapping region. Therefore, it is difficult to visually confirm the side of the vehicle turning. However, in the above configuration, when the third region is in a non-overlapping region, the first intensity is higher compared to when the third region is in an overlapping region. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern composed of the right and left light distribution patterns, the side of the vehicle turning can be brightened, making it easier to visually confirm the side of the vehicle turning.

[0017] Alternatively, when the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each lamp on the turning side so that the light intensity in the non-overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern is higher compared to the case where the steering angle is below the predetermined angle and the first area is located in the overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern.

[0018] In addition, the plurality of light-emitting parts of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting parts of the left-side lamp can also be arranged in a matrix array.

[0019] Alternatively, the plurality of light-emitting portions of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting portions of the left-side lamp can also be arranged in an array.

[0020] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlight that can suppress the reduction of visibility on the side of the vehicle turning when electronic rotation is performed. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a general configuration example of the vehicle of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a general representation Figure 1 The side view of the first luminaire shown.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a general representation Figure 2 The front view of the first light source section is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a general representation Figure 1 The side view of the second luminaire shown.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a general representation Figure 4 The front view of the second light source and the light shield shown.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of the low beam.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the light distribution pattern of high beams.

[0028] Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing the position of the heat zone of the right-side light distribution pattern when the vehicle is traveling straight. Figure 8 (B) is a diagram showing the position of the heat zone of the left-side light distribution pattern when the vehicle is traveling straight. Figure 8 (C) is a diagram showing the location of the heat zone of the light distribution pattern when the vehicle is traveling straight.

[0029] Figure 9 (A) represents Figure 8 The diagram (A) shows the relative intensity distribution of the first light in the left-right direction in the right-side light distribution pattern. Figure 9 (B) means Figure 8 The diagram (B) shows the relative intensity distribution of the first light in the left-right direction in the left-right light distribution pattern. Figure 9 (C) represents Figure 8 The diagram shows the relative intensity distribution of the first light in the left and right directions in the light distribution pattern shown in (C).

[0030] Figure 10 This is an example diagram representing the control flow chart of the control department.

[0031] Figure 11 (A) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone of the right-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 11 (B) is a diagram showing the position of the hot zone of the left-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 11 (C) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone of the light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the first steering angle.

[0032] Figure 12 (A) represents Figure 11 The diagram shows the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern on the right side, as shown in (A). Figure 12 (B) means Figure 11 The diagram shows the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern on the left side, as shown in (B). Figure 12 (C) represents Figure 11 The intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern shown in (C) is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 13 (A) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone of the right-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 13 (B) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone of the left-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 13 (C) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone of the light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the second steering angle.

[0034] Figure 14 (A) represents Figure 13 The diagram shows the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern on the right side, as shown in (A). Figure 14 (B) means Figure 13 The diagram shows the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern on the left side, as shown in (B). Figure 14 (C) represents Figure 13 The intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern shown in (C) is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a front view that roughly represents the first light source section of the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The preferred embodiments of the vehicle headlights of the present invention will be described in detail below. The embodiments illustrated below are for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the embodiments illustrated below can be appropriately combined. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various components are sometimes altered for ease of understanding.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a general configuration example of the vehicle 10. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle headlight 20, a light switch 200, and a sensing device 90. The vehicle headlight 20 in this embodiment is configured as a car headlight. The vehicle headlight 20 mainly includes a pair of lamp units 30a and 30b respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the front portion of the vehicle 10, a control unit 110 for controlling the lamp units 30a and 30b, and a recording unit 130. Furthermore, in this specification, "right" refers to the right side of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel, and "left" refers to the left side of the vehicle 10 in the direction of travel.

[0038] The lamp units 30a and 30b emit low beams or high beams toward the front of the vehicle 10. Hereinafter, lamp unit 30a will be described as being located on the right side of the vehicle 10 and lamp unit 30b as being located on the left side of the vehicle 10. Lamp units 30a and 30b are identical in configuration except that their shapes are approximately symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, the configuration of lamp units 30a and 30b will be described using lamp unit 30a as an example.

[0039] The lighting unit 30a includes a first lamp 40 and a second lamp 60. These lamps 40 and 60 are arranged laterally side by side, with the first lamp 40 located on the outermost side of the vehicle 10 and the second lamp 60 located on the innermost side of the vehicle 10. The arrangement order of the lamps 40 and 60 is not particularly limited.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 2 The first lamp 40 will be described.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a general representation Figure 1 The side view of the first luminaire 40 shown. Figure 2As shown, the first lamp 40 comprises a first light source 41 that emits first light forward, a projection lens 49 disposed in front of the first light source 41, and a frame 51 that houses the first light source 41 and the projection lens 49 as its main components. Figure 2 In the middle, the frame 51 is represented by a rough cross-section in the vertical direction of the lighting unit 30a.

[0042] The frame 51 comprises a lamp housing 51a, a front cover 51b, and a rear cover 51c as its main components. The lamp housing 51a has an opening at the front, and the front cover 51b is fixed to the lamp housing 51a to block the opening. In addition, a smaller opening than the front opening is formed at the rear of the lamp housing 51a, and the rear cover 51c is fixed to the lamp housing 51a to block the opening.

[0043] A lamp chamber 51d is formed by a lamp housing 51a, a front cover 51b that seals the opening at the front of the lamp housing 51a, and a rear cover 51c that seals the opening at the rear of the lamp housing 51a. A first light source unit 41 and a projection lens 49 are disposed within the lamp chamber 51d. The front cover 51b is made of a light-transmitting material, and the first light emitted from the first light source unit 41 passes through the projection lens 49 and through the front cover 51b. The lamp housing 51a and the rear cover 51c are, for example, made of resin.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a general representation Figure 2 The front view of the first light source unit 41 shown. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the first light source unit 41 mainly comprises multiple light-emitting units 43 that emit white light forward and a circuit board 45 on which the multiple light-emitting units 43 are mounted. Figure 3 For ease of observation, only a portion of the light-emitting parts 43 are labeled with reference numerals, omitting the reference numerals for the remaining light-emitting parts 43. Each light-emitting part 43 is designated as a micro-LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting parts 43 are arranged in a matrix array, forming columns along the vertical and horizontal directions. The first light source part 41 is a so-called micro-LED array. There are 96 light-emitting parts 43 arranged horizontally and 32 arranged vertically. These light-emitting parts 43 are self-emissive light-emitting parts that emit the first light.

[0045] The number of light-emitting parts 43 is not particularly limited as long as the light-emitting parts 43 are arranged in a matrix. In addition, the shape of the emitting surface of each light-emitting part 43 is a square shape of approximately the same size, but is not particularly limited. Each light-emitting part 43 can be an LED that emits light of different wavelengths, or an LD (Laser Diode) that emits light of different wavelengths.

[0046] When the light-emitting part 43 is supplied with current via the circuit board 45 by the power supply part (not shown), it emits a first light. As a result, the light distribution pattern 400, which will be described later, is projected onto the front of the vehicle 10.

[0047] The projection lens 49 is a lens positioned forward of the first light source 41, allowing first light emitted from the first light source 41 to enter, and adjusting the divergence angle of the first light incident on the projection lens 49. In the projection lens 49, the incident surface is convex with a rearward-facing rectangular shape, and the exiting surface is convex with a forward-facing shape. The rear focal point of the projection lens 49 is located on or near the exiting surface of any of the light-emitting portions 43 in the first light source 41. The first light, with its divergence angle adjusted by the projection lens 49, is emitted from the first lamp 40 towards the front of the vehicle 10 via the front cover 51b of the frame 51.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 4 The second lamp 60 will be described.

[0049] Figure 4 It is a general representation Figure 1 The side view of the second luminaire 60 shown. Figure 4 As shown, the second luminaire 60 comprises a second light source 61 that emits second light forward, a light shield 67, a projection lens 69 disposed in front of the second light source 61, and a frame 51 that houses the second light source 61, the light shield 67, and the projection lens 69 as its main components. Figure 4 In the middle, the frame 51 is shown as a rough cross-section in the vertical direction of the second lamp 60.

[0050] Figure 5 It is a general representation Figure 4 The front view of the second light source 61 and the light shield 67 shown. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the second light source unit 61 mainly comprises a light-emitting unit 63 that emits a second light as white light and a circuit board 65 on which the light-emitting unit 63 is mounted. The light-emitting unit 63 is configured as an LED with an emitting surface that is longer in the left-right direction than the emitting surface of the second light emitting forward. This light-emitting unit 63 is a self-emissive light emitting unit that emits the second light. The emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 63 is larger than the emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 43 in the first light source unit 41. In addition, the shape of the emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 63 is not particularly limited, and the light-emitting unit 63 may also be an LED.

[0051] The light shield 67 has a light shielding portion 67a and a fixing portion 67b. The light shielding portion 67a and the fixing portion 67b are integrally formed by bending a plate-shaped component. The light shielding portion 67a extends in a left-right direction forward of the light-emitting portion 63, and the fixing portion 67b is connected to the lower end of the light shielding portion 67a. The fixing portion 67b extends rearward from the lower end of the light shielding portion 67a, and the end of the fixing portion 67b opposite to the side of the light shielding portion 67a 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 portion 63. The upper edge of the light shielding portion 67a includes a first edge 67e, a second edge 67f, and a third edge 67g. The first edge 67e extends in a generally horizontal direction. The second edge 67f extends in a straight line from one end of the first edge 67e toward the side opposite to the first edge 67e and diagonally downward to the left. The third edge 67g extends approximately horizontally from the end of the second edge 67f on the side opposite to the first edge 67e toward the side opposite to the first edge 67e. The light-shielding portion 67a of this light-shielding device 67 blocks a portion of the second light emitted from the light-emitting portion 63, while the other portion of the second light is incident on the projection lens 69.

[0052] The projection lens 69 has the same configuration as the projection lens 49 and is positioned in front of the light shield 67 to allow the second light emitted from the second light source 61 to enter. The rear focal point of the projection lens 69 is located at or near the upper edge of the light shield 67a of the light shield 67.

[0053] return Figure 1 Continuing with the explanation of vehicle 10.

[0054] The recording unit 130 is electrically connected to the control unit 110. The recording unit 130 is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), but can include any form of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Furthermore, "non-transitory" recording media includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. The recording unit 130 stores information related to the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43. This information may include, for example, the current values ​​of each light-emitting unit 43.

[0055] The control unit 110 may be composed of, for example, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. Furthermore, when using an NC device, the control unit 110 may or may not use a machine learning device. The control unit 110 may also be incorporated as part of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 10 (not shown).

[0056] A lamp switch 200 is electrically connected to the control unit 110. The lamp switch 200 is a switch that selects between low beam emission, high beam emission, and no light emission. For example, when low beam emission is selected, the lamp switch 200 outputs a control signal indicating low beam emission to the control unit 110; when high beam emission is selected, it outputs a control signal indicating high beam emission to the control unit 110. That is, when a control signal is input from the lamp switch 200, the control unit 110 drives the lamp units 30a and 30b according to that control signal. Thus, the control signal is a signal indicating the start of light emission from the lamp units 30a and 30b. Conversely, when no light emission is selected, the lamp switch 200 does not output a control signal to the control unit 110. When no control signal is input, the control unit 110 stops driving the lamp units 30a and 30b.

[0057] The control unit 110 is electrically connected to a power supply unit (not shown). The power supply unit is electrically connected to circuit boards 45 and 65. When a control signal from the lamp switch 200 is input, the control unit 110 supplies current to or stops supplying current to each of the light-emitting units 43 and 63 via the power supply unit and circuit boards 45 and 65. This selects which light-emitting units 43 and 63 emit light, and the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the lamp units 30a and 30b changes according to this selection. Furthermore, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to each of the light-emitting units 43 and 63 via the power supply unit and circuit boards 45 and 65. By controlling the current, the power supply to each of the light-emitting units 43 and 63 is controlled. This adjusts the amount of light emitted from each of the light-emitting units 43 and 63, and thus adjusts the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern.

[0058] A sensing device 90 is electrically connected to the control unit 110. The sensing device 90 includes a steering sensor, which senses the direction and angle of rotation of the steering wheel of the vehicle 10; in other words, the turning direction of the vehicle 10 and the steering angle of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the steering sensor identifies the right steering angle and the left steering angle as different steering angles and senses these steering angles. When the steering angle is above 0° but below a reference steering angle, the vehicle 10 is in a straight-line state. The steering angle of the steering wheel when the vehicle 10 is in a straight-line state is set to 0°, and the reference steering angle is, for example, 3°. Conversely, when the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle, the vehicle 10 is in a turning state. The steering sensor outputs signals indicating the turning direction and steering angle of the vehicle 10 to the control unit 110. Alternatively, the steering sensor can also be electrically connected to the control unit 110 via an ECU (not shown) of the vehicle 10, and signals from the steering sensor can also be input to the control unit 110 via the ECU.

[0059] Next, we will explain the low beam emitted from the vehicle's headlight 20.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the low beam distribution pattern 910 in this embodiment. Hereinafter, in Figure 6 In the diagram illustrating the beam distribution pattern, S represents a horizontal line, and V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 10 in the left-right direction. The beam distribution pattern is described as being formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25m in front of the vehicle 10. The low beam beam distribution pattern 910 is formed by a first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40 and a second light emitted from the left and right second lamps 60. Figure 6 In the middle, the low beam pattern 910 is represented by thick lines.

[0061] The low beam light distribution pattern 910 of this embodiment has light and dark cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 at its upper edge. Light and dark cutoff line CL1 extends horizontally to the right side from the inflection point EP, which is located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V. Light and dark cutoff line CL2 extends obliquely upwards from the left side from the inflection point EP. The end of the light and dark cutoff line CL2 on the side opposite to the inflection point EP is located above the horizontal line S. Light and dark cutoff line CL3 extends horizontally to the left side from the end of the light and dark cutoff line CL2 on the other side. Furthermore, in the low beam light distribution pattern 910, the hot zone HZL, which is the region with the highest light intensity, is located near the inflection point EP.

[0062] The shapes of the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 correspond to the upper edges 67e, 67f, and 67g of the light-shielding portion 67a of the light-shielding device 67. The shape of the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is approximately the same as the shape of the light distribution pattern of the second light emitted from the second luminaire 60. In addition, the shape of the low beam light distribution pattern 910 corresponds to the shape of the light-shielding portion 67a, and is a light distribution pattern inverted vertically and horizontally when the light-shielding portion 67a blocks part of the second light.

[0063] However, in Figure 6 In the diagram, the area irradiated by emitting first light from all the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40 is designated as the irradiation area 401b and indicated by a dashed line. The irradiation area 401b is a rectangular shape that extends in the left-right direction. The irradiation area 401b overlaps with the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The upper edge of the irradiation area 401b is located above the upper edge of the near-beam light distribution pattern 910 and above the horizontal line S, extending horizontally. The lower edge of the irradiation area 401b is located below the horizontal line S and above the lower edge of the near-beam light distribution pattern 910, extending horizontally. The position and orientation of the light-emitting parts 43 are adjusted to arrange the irradiation area 401b as described above.

[0064] When emitting low beam, the first light is not emitted from all the light-emitting parts 43 of each of the left and right first lamps 40, but rather from a portion of the light-emitting parts 43 of each of the left and right first lamps 40. Figure 6In this context, the illumination area where the first light is emitted from the light-emitting part 43 of this portion is defined as the illumination area 401c. The illumination area 401c is a part of the illumination area 401b, and for ease of observation, the illumination area 401c is shown inside the illumination area 401b. The illumination area 401c is the area inside the illumination area 401b and below the light-dark cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 in the vertical direction. When emitting low beam, a light distribution pattern 400 is formed in the illumination area 401c using the first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40. The size and shape of the light distribution pattern 400 vary depending on the selection of the light-emitting part 43 that emits the first light. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of the first light in the light distribution pattern 400 is adjusted by adjusting the amount of first light emitted from each light-emitting part 43. The entire light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with the low beam light distribution pattern 910, so the illumination area 401c illuminates not only the first light but also the second light. The illumination area 401c includes a heat zone HZL. In the light distribution pattern 400, for example, the control unit 110 adjusts the amount of the first light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 so that the intensity of HZL decreases further away from the heat zone. This is achieved by emitting the first and second lights from the lamps 40 and 60, and the low beam from the vehicle headlight 20. Furthermore, instead of illuminating the first and second lights throughout the entire illumination area 401c, only the second light is illuminating the entire illumination area 401c. In this case, the first light can be illuminating at least a portion of the illumination area 401c, or the first lamp 40 can be turned off, and the first light cannot be illuminating the illumination area 401c.

[0065] Next, we will explain the high beam emitted from the vehicle's headlights 20.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the beam pattern 930 of the high beam in this embodiment. Figure 7 In the diagram, the high beam beam pattern 930 is represented by a thick line, and the illumination area 401b is represented by a solid line. For ease of observation, the illumination area 401b is shown inside the beam beam pattern 930. In this embodiment, the area with the highest light intensity in the high beam beam pattern 930, i.e., the hot zone HZH, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, overlapping with the illumination area 401b. Figure 7 The image shows an example where the hot zone HZH is located above the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V.

[0067] The high beam light distribution pattern 930 is the same as the low beam light distribution pattern 910, formed by first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40 and second light emitted from the left and right second lamps 60. However, unlike the low beam light distribution pattern 910, the high beam light distribution pattern 930 emits first light from all the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40. Therefore, the first light is irradiated from all the light-emitting parts 43 into the illumination area 401b, forming a rectangular light distribution pattern 400 that is longer in the left-right direction. In addition, the second lamps 60 emit the same light as when forming the low beam light distribution pattern 910. Therefore, the high beam light distribution pattern 930 is formed by the light distribution pattern 400 and the low beam light distribution pattern 910. A portion of the light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with the low beam light distribution pattern 910, while other portions do not overlap with the low beam light distribution pattern 910. In the high beam's light distribution pattern 930, the area of ​​highest light intensity, i.e., the hot zone HZH, is located at or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, overlapping with the irradiated area 401b. Figure 7 The diagram shows an example where the hot zone HZH is located above the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The hot zone HZH is also the hot zone of the light distribution pattern 400. The intensity distribution of light in the region of the high beam light distribution pattern 930 that overlaps with the illumination area 401b is, for example, set such that the intensity decreases as it moves further away from the hot zone HZH. The amount of second light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 is adjusted by the control unit 110 so that the intensity of light in the illumination area 401b is distributed in this way. By emitting the first and second lights from the lamps 40 and 60 in this way, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlight 20.

[0068] Next, we will explain the light distribution pattern 400 in the high beam light distribution pattern 930.

[0069] Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing the right-side light distribution pattern 430 formed by the first light emitted from the first luminaire 40 on the right. Figure 8 (B) is a diagram showing the left-side light distribution pattern 450 formed by the first light emitted from the first luminaire 40 on the left. Additionally, Figure 8 (C) is a diagram representing the light distribution pattern 400 in the high beam light distribution pattern 930. The right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 are rectangular shapes that are longer in the left-right direction and are the same size. The center of the right light distribution pattern 430 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the V line, the center of the left light distribution pattern 450 in the left-right direction is located to the left of the V line, and the center of the light distribution pattern 400 in the left-right direction is located on the V line. Figure 8 The light distribution pattern 400 shown is... Figure 7 The light distribution pattern 400 shown is identical, formed by the overlap of the right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450. Therefore, in Figure 8In the diagram, the right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 in the light distribution pattern 400 are shown offset vertically. Furthermore, in the light distribution pattern 400, the right light distribution pattern 430 is located at approximately the same height as the left light distribution pattern 450, and is located to the right of the left light distribution pattern 450. The right light distribution pattern 430 is offset to the right relative to the left light distribution pattern 450 in such a way that its left end overlaps with the right end of the left light distribution pattern 450, and its right end does not overlap with the left light distribution pattern 450, and its left end does not overlap with the right light distribution pattern 430. Therefore, the right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 each include an overlapping region 471 where the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 overlap, and a non-overlapping region 473 where the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 do not overlap. The non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 can be considered as an area where the first light from the left-side first luminaire 40, whose luminous intensity is lower than the prescribed luminous intensity of the first light from the right-side first luminaire 40 forming the right end of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, overlaps with the first light from the right-side first luminaire 40. Similarly, the non-overlapping region 473 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 can be considered as an area where the first light from the right-side first luminaire 40, whose luminous intensity is lower than the prescribed luminous intensity of the first light from the right-side first luminaire 40 forming the left end of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, overlaps with the first light from the left-side first luminaire 40. Each non-overlapping region 473 can be considered as an area where, from a human visual perspective, the first light emitted from the left and right first luminaires 40 does not overlap. The prescribed luminous intensity is, for example, 500 cd. The light distribution pattern 400 formed by the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 is part of the high beam light distribution pattern 930. Furthermore, the light distribution pattern 400 can also be formed as at least a part of the high beam light distribution pattern 930.

[0070] In the light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400, the region with the highest intensity of the first light is referred to as the right hot zone 431, the left hot zone 451, and the hot zone HZH. Additionally, the right hot zone 431 is sometimes referred to as the first region, and the left hot zone 451 as the second region. Figure 8 The positions of heat zones 431, 451, and HZH shown indicate their positions when vehicle 10 is traveling straight. As described above, when vehicle 10 is traveling straight, the steering angle is below the reference steering angle. When vehicle 10 is traveling straight, heat zones 431 and 451 are located on the V-line. In this case, heat zone HZH is formed by the combination of heat zones 431 and 451, and therefore is located on the V-line, similar to heat zones 431 and 451. In the light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400, the intensity gradually decreases the further away from heat zones 431, 451, and HZH.

[0071] Figure 9(A) is a diagram showing the relative intensity distribution 433 of the first light in the left and right directions in the right-side light distribution pattern 430 of the vehicle 10 in a straight-moving state. Figure 9 (B) is a diagram showing the relative intensity distribution 453 of the first light in the left-right direction in the left-side light distribution pattern 450 when the vehicle 10 is traveling straight. Additionally, Figure 9 (C) is a diagram showing the relative intensity distribution 413 of the first light in the left-right direction in the light distribution pattern 400 of the vehicle 10 in a straight-moving state. Figure 9 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the relative strength based on the maximum strength. Figure 9 The horizontal axis represents the position in the left-right direction. Intensity distributions 433 and 453, when synthesized based on the H-line and V-line, form intensity distribution 413. Figure 9 For ease of understanding, the intensity distribution is simply illustrated in diagram 413. Figure 9 The intensity distribution 413 shown is not a composite. Figure 9 The intensity distribution shown is 433 and Figure 9 The intensity distribution shown is 453.

[0072] When vehicle 10 is traveling straight, heat zones 431, 451, and HZH are located on line V as described above. Therefore, in intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413, the peaks 435, 455, and 415 are located on line V. The intensity at peak 415 is the sum of the intensity at peak 435 and peak 455. Furthermore, for example, within the overlapping region 471, the intensity in intensity distribution 433 at a location a predetermined distance to the right from line V corresponds to the intensity in intensity distribution 453 at the same location a predetermined distance to the right from line V. If these intensities are combined, they become the intensity in intensity distribution 413 at the same location a predetermined distance to the right from line V. Therefore, the intensity distribution within the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 413 is the composite intensity distribution formed by combining the intensity distributions within the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 433 and intensity distribution 453. Furthermore, in intensity distribution 433, the intensity distribution within the non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is equivalent to the intensity distribution within the same non-overlapping region 473 in intensity distribution 413. Additionally, in intensity distribution 453, the intensity distribution within the non-overlapping region 473 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 is equivalent to the intensity distribution within the same non-overlapping region 473 in intensity distribution 413.

[0073] Intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 gradually decrease as they move away from the peak values ​​435, 455, and 415 in the left and right directions. Alternatively, for example, the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400 may be approximately symmetrical about the left and right sides with respect to the V-line, and intensity distributions 433 and 453 may be approximately symmetrical about the left and right sides. Furthermore, intensity distribution 433 may decrease from the peak value 435 in a shorter left-right direction on the left side compared to the right side, with respect to the V-line. Similarly, intensity distribution 453 may decrease from the peak value 455 in a shorter left-right direction on the right side compared to the left side, with respect to the V-line. Intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 are not limited to the above descriptions.

[0074] Next, the operation of the control unit 110 in this embodiment, specifically the electronic rotation control operation of the high beam, will be explained. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the control flow chart of the control unit 110 in this embodiment. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP15.

[0075] In the initial state, it is assumed that the vehicle emits high beams using headlights 20, forming a high beam beam pattern 930 that includes a light distribution pattern 400. Additionally, the control unit 110 receives a signal from the steering sensor of the sensing device 90. This signal indicates the direction of the vehicle 10's turn and the vehicle 10's steering angle.

[0076] (Step SP11)

[0077] In this step, the control unit 110 determines whether the steering angle is below the reference steering angle based on the signal from the steering sensor. If the steering angle is below the reference steering angle, the control unit 110 proceeds to step SP12; if the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle, the control unit 110 proceeds to step SP13.

[0078] (Step SP12)

[0079] In this step, the vehicle 10 is traveling straight, and the control unit 110 performs a first action. In this first action, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting portions 43 of the left-hand first lamp 40 and the right-hand first lamp 40, so as to... Figure 8 As shown, hot zones 431 and 451 are positioned on the V line, and thus form... Figure 9 The intensity distributions shown are 433 and 453. If the current is adjusted, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting part 43 is adjusted. In this step, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, hot zones 431 and 451 are located on line V and form Figure 9The intensity distributions shown are 433 and 453. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern 400, the hot zone HZH is located on the V line and forms... Figure 9 The intensity distribution 413 is shown. As described above, after the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0080] (Step SP13)

[0081] In this step, the control unit 110 determines whether the steering angle is below a first steering angle, which is a predetermined angle, based on the signal from the steering sensor. If the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle but is below the first steering angle, the control unit 110 proceeds the control flow to step SP14; if the steering angle is a second steering angle, which is greater than the first steering angle, the control flow proceeds to step SP15.

[0082] The first and second steering angles are angles with a greater slope than the reference steering angle. Therefore, in steps SP14 and SP15, the vehicle 10 is in a turning state, and electronic rotation control of the high beam is performed in this situation. In the electronic rotation control of the high beam, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, respectively, by moving left and right within the respective light-emitting parts 430 and 450, based on the steering angle of the vehicle 10 detected by the steering sensor of the sensing device 90, with the area of ​​highest intensity of the first light in the right light distribution pattern 430 (right hot zone 431) and the area of ​​highest intensity of the first light in the left light distribution pattern 450 (left hot zone 451) respectively, with reference to the straight-moving state of the vehicle 10. In this case, the control unit 110 increases or decreases the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40 based on the signal input from the steering sensor of the sensing device 90, thereby changing the intensity of the light emitted from the vehicle headlight 20. The higher the current, the higher the intensity. If the intensity changes, the intensity distributions 433 and 453 change. If the intensity distributions 433 and 453 change, the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 themselves do not rotate left or right, but the hot zones 431 and 451 move within the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 towards the side where the vehicle 10 is turning. If the intensity distributions 433 and 453 change as described above, and the hot zones 431 and 451 move, then the intensity distribution 413 changes, and the hot zone HZH also moves.

[0083] Hereinafter, the light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle 10 turning, in the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450, will sometimes be referred to as the first light distribution pattern, and the light distribution pattern on the side opposite to the turning side of the vehicle 10, in the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450, will be referred to as the second light distribution pattern. Furthermore, taking the vehicle 10 turning to the right as an example, in this case, the right-side light distribution pattern 430 becomes the first light distribution pattern, and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 becomes the second light distribution pattern. Additionally, when the vehicle 10 turns to the right, the first lamp 40 of the right-side lamp unit 30a becomes the lamp on the turning side, and the first lamp 40 of the left-side lamp unit 30b becomes the lamp on the side opposite to the turning side.

[0084] (Step SP14)

[0085] In this step, the control unit 110 performs a second operation. In this second operation, the control unit 110, based on a first steering angle, controls the current supplied to the light-emitting portions 43 of the first lamps 40 on the left and the first lamps 40 on the right. The first steering angle is an angle where the rightward turn angle is greater than the reference steering angle, and it is the angle at which the hot zones 431 and 451 are located in the overlapping region 471. This first steering angle is, for example, 5°. Figure 11 (A) is a diagram showing the location of hot zone 431 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 11 (B) is a diagram showing the location of hot zone 451 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Additionally, Figure 11 (C) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone HZH when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 11 The light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 shown are respectively with Figure 8 As shown, the positions of the light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 relative to the V-line and H-line are the same. Figure 8 The positions are the same. Additionally, Figure 12 (A) is a graph representing the intensity distribution 433 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 12 (B) is a graph showing the intensity distribution at the first steering angle (453). Additionally, Figure 12 (C) is a diagram representing the intensity distribution 413 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 In the diagram, the dashed line 601 indicates the positions of the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH when the steering angle is the first steering angle. For example... Figure 11 As shown, in the second action, hot zones 431, 451, and HZH are located within the overlapping region 471.

[0086] In the second operation, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the first lamps 40 on the left and the first lamps 40 on the right, so as to... Figure 11 As shown, hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the dashed line 601 and form... Figure 12 The intensity distributions shown are 433 and 453. Adjusting the current adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting part 43, such as... Figure 11 As shown, hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the dashed line 601 and form... Figure 12 The intensity distributions shown are 433 and 453. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern 400, the hot zone HZH is located on the dashed line 601 and forms... Figure 12 The intensity distribution 413 is shown. When the steering angle is the first steering angle, the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH shift to the right from the V-line and are located on the dashed line 601. Therefore, compared to the case where the steering angle is the reference steering angle, the peak values ​​435, 455, and 415 shift to the right from the V-line and are located on the dashed line 601. In this step, the intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 also gradually decrease as they move away from the peak values ​​435, 455, and 415 in the left and right directions. One end of the intensity distribution 433 is located on the side of the non-overlapping region 473, and the other end is located on the side of the overlapping region 471, with the intensity at one end being higher than the intensity at the other end. Similarly, one end of the intensity distribution 453 is located on the side of the overlapping region 471, and the other end of the intensity distribution 453 is located on the side of the non-overlapping region 473, with the intensity at one end being higher than the intensity at the other end. Furthermore, one end of the intensity distribution 413 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side of the right light distribution pattern 430, and the other end of the intensity distribution 413 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side of the left light distribution pattern 450, with the intensity at one end being higher than that at the other end. As described above, after controlling the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, the control unit 110 returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0087] (Step SP15)

[0088] In this step, the control unit 110 performs a third operation. In this third operation, based on the signal from the steering sensor, the steering angle becomes a second steering angle. Based on this second steering angle, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting portions 43 of the first lamps 40 on the left and the first lamps 40 on the right. The second steering angle is the angle at which the rightward turn angle is greater than the first steering angle. Furthermore, the second steering angle is also the angle at which the right-side heat zone 431 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, and the left-side heat zone 451 is located in the overlapping region 471. Figure 13 (A) is a diagram showing the location of hot zone 431 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 13(B) is a diagram showing the location of hot zone 451 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Additionally, Figure 13 (C) is a diagram showing the location of the hot zone HZH when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 13 The light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 shown are respectively with Figure 8 As shown, the positions of the light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 relative to the V-line and H-line are the same. Figure 8 The positions are the same. Additionally, Figure 14 (A) is a graph representing the intensity distribution 433 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 14 (B) is a graph showing the intensity distribution at the second steering angle (453). Additionally, Figure 14 (C) is a diagram representing the intensity distribution 413 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 In the diagram, dashed line 603 indicates the location of the hot zone 431 (HZH) when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Dashed line 603 is located in the non-overlapping area 473 on the right side of the light distribution pattern 430. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 13 As shown, in the third action, hot zone 431 and HZH are located in the non-overlapping region 473 on the right side of the light distribution pattern 430, while hot zone 451 is located in the overlapping region 471. Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 It also shows Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The dashed line 601 is shown.

[0089] In the third action, such as Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side, so that the right-side hot zone 431 shifts further to the right from the V-line and is located on the dashed line 603. However, when the steering angle is the second steering angle, the dashed line 603 is located outside the left-side light distribution pattern 450. Therefore, even if the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left side, it cannot move the left-side hot zone 451 onto the dashed line 603. Therefore, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 in the left-side lamp unit 30b, so that the left-side hot zone 451 is located between the V-line and the right edge of the left-side light distribution pattern 450. The adjustment of this current will be described later.

[0090] With the steering angle at the second steering angle, since the right-side hot zone 431 is located on the dashed line 603, therefore... Figure 14As shown in (A), the peak value 435 of intensity distribution 433 is located on the dashed line 603. In this step, intensity distribution 433 also gradually decreases as it moves away from the peak value 435 in the left and right directions. One end of intensity distribution 433 is located on the side of non-overlapping region 473, and the other end of intensity distribution 433 is located on the side of overlapping region 471. The intensity at one end is higher than the intensity at the other end.

[0091] Furthermore, when the steering angle is the second steering angle, the left-side hot zone 451 is located between the V-line and the right end of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, therefore, as Figure 14 As shown in (B), the peak 455 of intensity distribution 453 is located between the V line and the right end of the left-side light distribution pattern 450. In this step, intensity distribution 453 also gradually decreases as it moves away from the peak 455 in the left and right directions. One end of intensity distribution 453 is located on the side of the overlapping region 471, and the other end of intensity distribution 453 is located on the side of the non-overlapping region 473, with the intensity at one end being higher than that at the other end.

[0092] However, in Figure 14 In (A), the intensity distribution that overlaps with intensity distribution 453 in intensity distribution 433 is represented as intensity distribution 433a, and the intensity distribution that does not overlap with intensity distribution 453 is represented as intensity distribution 433b. Intensity distribution 433a is the intensity distribution in the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 433, and intensity distribution 433b is the intensity distribution in the non-overlapping region 473 of intensity distribution 433. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In (B), the intensity distribution that overlaps with intensity distribution 433 in intensity distribution 453 is represented as intensity distribution 453a. Intensity distribution 453a is also the intensity distribution in the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 453, and is the intensity distribution synthesized with intensity distribution 433a. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In (C), the intensity distribution in the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 413 is represented as intensity distribution 413a, and the intensity distribution in the non-overlapping region 473 is represented as intensity distribution 413b. Intensity distribution 413a is an intensity distribution synthesized from intensity distribution 433a and intensity distribution 453a. Furthermore, intensity distribution 413b is equivalent to intensity distribution 433b, therefore the peak value 415 of intensity distribution 413 is equivalent to the peak value 435 of intensity distribution 433b. Figure 14 In this context, the intensity at peak value 435 is represented as intensity I35, and the intensity at peak value 415, which is equivalent to peak value 415, is represented as intensity I15. Peak value 415 is equivalent to peak value 435, therefore intensity I15 is the same as intensity I35. Furthermore, in... Figure 14 In this context, the intensity at peak value 455 is represented as intensity I55. Additionally, in... Figure 14In intensity distribution 433a, the intensity at point P is denoted as intensity IP. Point P represents the region in the right-hand light distribution pattern 430 that overlaps with the hot zone 451, and intensity IP is the light intensity in that region. Therefore, in the left-right direction of intensity distributions 433 and 453, the distance between the V-line and point P is the same as the distance between the V-line and peak value 455. Furthermore, as shown by dashed line 605, point P is located at the same position as peak value 455 in the left-right direction, and in light distribution pattern 400, the first light with intensity IP overlaps with the first light with intensity I55. Intensity IP is lower than intensity I35.

[0093] In the third operation, when the steering angle is a second steering angle larger than the first steering angle which is a predetermined angle, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the first lamps 40 on the left and the light-emitting parts 43 of the first lamps 40 on the right, so that the hot zone 431 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430, the hot zone 451 is located in the overlapping region 471, and the intensity I35 in the peak 435 is higher than the sum of the intensity I55 at the peak 455 and the intensity IP at point P. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the first lamps 40 on the left based on the intensity IP so that the intensity I35 is higher than the sum of the intensity I55 and the intensity IP, thereby adjusting the intensity I55. Hereinafter, the intensity I35 is sometimes referred to as the first intensity, the intensity I55 as the second intensity, and the intensity Ip as the third intensity. The intensity distribution 453, including the intensity I55 adjusted in this way, gradually decreases as described above as it moves away from the peak 455 in the left and right directions. Intensity distribution 413, including intensity I15, is formed by combining intensity distribution 433 and intensity distribution 453. Intensity distribution 413 gradually decreases as it moves away from the peak value 415 in the left and right directions. In addition, intensity distribution 413a in intensity distribution 413 is an intensity distribution formed by combining intensity distribution 433a in intensity distribution 433 and intensity distribution 453a in intensity distribution 453. As described above, after controlling the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, control unit 110 returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0094] As described above, the vehicle headlight 20 of this embodiment includes a right-side first lamp 40 disposed on the right side of the vehicle 10, a left-side first lamp 40 disposed on the left side of the vehicle 10, and a control unit 110. The right-side first lamp 40 has a plurality of light-emitting portions 43 serving as light emitting portions, and forms a right-side light distribution pattern 430 as part of a high beam light distribution pattern 930 using light from the plurality of light-emitting portions 43. The left-side first lamp 40 has a plurality of light-emitting portions 43 serving as light emitting portions, and forms a left-side light distribution pattern 450 as another part of the high beam light distribution pattern 930 to the left of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 using light from the plurality of light-emitting portions 43. The control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the first lamps 40 on the left and the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the first lamps 40 on the right, so that the areas with the highest light intensity (i.e., the hot zone 431) in the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the areas with the highest light intensity (i.e., the hot zone 451) in the left-side light distribution pattern 450 move left and right respectively in accordance with the steering angle of the vehicle 10. The right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 each include overlapping areas 471 and non-overlapping areas 473. For example, when the vehicle 10 turns to the right, the first light distribution pattern becomes the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the second light distribution pattern becomes the left-side light distribution pattern 450. When the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle which is a specified angle, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting part 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left and the current supplied to the light-emitting part 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right, so that the first region, i.e. the hot zone 431, of the right light distribution pattern 430 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430, and the second region, i.e. the hot zone 451, of the left light distribution pattern 450 is located in the overlapping region 471. The first intensity, i.e. intensity I35, in the hot zone 431 is higher than the sum of the second intensity, i.e. intensity I55, and the third intensity, i.e. intensity IP, in the hot zone 451.

[0095] For example, when the sum of intensity I55 and intensity IP is greater than intensity I35, two peaks 415 may sometimes form in the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400. If two peaks 415 are formed, the area corresponding to the valley of the intensity distribution between the two peaks 415 in the light distribution pattern 400 is darker than the areas on both sides of the valley. However, when the vehicle 10 is turning, the driver tends to look towards the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning in order to visually confirm what is ahead. If the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, which is a predetermined angle, and if the area corresponding to the valley and the areas corresponding to both sides of the valley are within the driver's line of sight, the driver may perceive that part of the target area is darker than the other part, resulting in a sense of disharmony, and the visibility of the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning may be reduced. In particular, if the valley is formed like a step, it is even more difficult to visually confirm. However, in the above configuration, the intensity I35 is higher than the sum of intensity I55 and intensity IP, so the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400 can gradually decrease as it moves away from the peak 415 in the left and right directions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of valleys, suppress the driver's sense of disharmony, and suppress the reduction in visibility on the side where the vehicle 10 turns.

[0096] The above describes the relationship between intensity I35, intensity IP, and intensity I55 in intensity distributions 433 and 453, but the relationship between the intensities of intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 is not limited to this. Other relationships will be explained below.

[0097] In the vehicle headlight 20, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 can also control the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left, so that the intensity I35 is higher than the light intensity in the entire area of ​​the overlapping region 471 of the light distribution pattern 400. Therefore, the intensity I35 is higher than the individual intensities in the intensity distribution 413a. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left based on the intensity distribution 433a to make the intensity I35 higher than the individual intensities in the intensity distribution 413a, thereby adjusting the intensity distribution 453a.

[0098] When the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle and the light intensity in the overlapping region 471 of the light distribution pattern 400 is greater than or equal to intensity I35, a peak 415 will form in the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400 closer to the center of the light distribution pattern 400 than the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning. In this case, from the driver's perspective, the center of the light distribution pattern 400 is brighter than the side of the vehicle 10 that tends to be viewed when the vehicle is turning, making it difficult to visually confirm the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning. However, as described above, when the intensity I35 is higher than the light intensity in the entire area of ​​the overlapping region 471 of the light distribution pattern 400, the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning becomes brighter in the light distribution pattern 400, and the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning in the light distribution pattern 400 can become brighter than the center of the light distribution pattern 400. Therefore, the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning can be easily visually confirmed. In addition, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 may not control the current supplied to the light-emitting part 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left so that the intensity I35 is higher than the intensity of the light in the entire area of ​​the overlapping region 471 of the light distribution pattern 400.

[0099] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 20, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 can also control the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left, so that the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the intensity distribution 453a by adjusting the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left, so that the intensity distribution 453a of the left light distribution pattern 450 is lower than the intensity distribution 433a of the right light distribution pattern 430.

[0100] When the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle and the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is greater than the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450, in the light distribution pattern 400, from the driver's viewpoint, sometimes the center side of the light distribution pattern 400 appears brighter than the side of the vehicle 10 turning, making it difficult to visually confirm the turning side of the vehicle 10. In contrast, when the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450, the turning side of the vehicle 10 in the light distribution pattern 400 can become brighter than the center side of the light distribution pattern 400. Therefore, compared to the case where the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is greater than the light intensity in the overlapping area 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450, the turning side of the vehicle 10 can be easily visually confirmed. In addition, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 may not control the current supplied to the light-emitting part 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the left, so that the intensity of the light in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is lower than the intensity of the light in the overlapping area 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450.

[0101] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 20, when the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, compared to the case where the steering angle is less than the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping region 471, the control unit 110 can also control the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side, so as to increase the intensity I35. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the intensity I35 by adjusting the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side.

[0102] When the third region of the light distribution pattern 400, i.e., the hot zone HZH, is located in the overlapping region 471, the intensity I15 in the hot zone HZH is the sum of intensity I35 and intensity I55. However, when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right-hand light distribution pattern 430, the intensity I15 is intensity I35. If the intensity I35 is the same when the hot zone HZH is located in the overlapping region 471 as it is when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-overlapping region 473, then the intensity I15 becomes lower when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-overlapping region 473 compared to the case where the hot zone HZH is located in the overlapping region 471. Therefore, it is difficult to visually confirm the side where the vehicle 10 is turning. However, in the above configuration, when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-overlapping region 473, the intensity I35 becomes higher compared to the case where the hot zone HZH is located in the overlapping region 471. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern 400, the side where the vehicle 10 is turning can be brightened, and the side where the vehicle 10 is turning can be easily visually confirmed. Furthermore, when the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side so that the hot zone 431 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, the control unit 110 can also control the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side so that the intensity I35 is increased to the sum of the intensity I35 and the intensity I55 when the hot zones 431 and 451 are located in the overlapping region 471. As a result, the side of the vehicle 10 turning in the light distribution pattern 400 when, for example, the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle and the vehicle 10 is turning, can be brightened to the level of the center side in the light distribution pattern 400 when the vehicle 10 is traveling straight. Therefore, even if the vehicle 10 changes from a straight-going state to a turning state, the target in the line of sight can be suppressed from darkening, and the side of the vehicle 10 turning can be easily visually confirmed. In addition, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, compared with the case where the steering angle is below the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping region 471, the control unit 110 may not control the current supplied to the light-emitting part 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side so as to increase the intensity I35.

[0103] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 20, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, compared to the case where the steering angle is less than the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping area 471 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, the control unit 110 can also control the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side to increase the light intensity in the non-overlapping area 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the light-emitting portion 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side, thereby increasing the intensity distribution 433b compared to the case where the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping area 471 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430. In addition, when the steering angle is larger than the first steering angle, compared with the case where the steering angle is less than the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430, the control unit 110 may not control the current supplied to the light-emitting part 43 of each of the first lamps 40 on the right side so as to increase the light intensity in the non-overlapping area 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the example of vehicle 10 turning right was used for explanation. However, when vehicle 10 turns left, the control unit 110 can control the left and right first lights 40 symmetrically with respect to the case of vehicle 10 turning right. The specified steering angle may not be the first steering angle but the reference steering angle. If the steering angle is the first steering angle, which is larger than the reference steering angle, the control unit 110 can control the left and right first lights 40 in the same way as described above, with the steering angle being the second steering angle, which is larger than the first steering angle.

[0105] Furthermore, the first light source section 41 of the lighting units 30a and 30b is not limited to a micro LED array, but can also be a so-called LED array. Figure 15 This is a schematic front view of the first light source section 41 in the case of an LED array. (Example) Figure 15 As shown, each light-emitting part 43 is a roughly rectangular LED with an emitting surface that is longer in the vertical direction than the first light source part 41 when it is a miniature LED array. Furthermore, when the first light source part 41 is an LED array, the light-emitting parts 43 are arranged in an array along the left-right direction.

[0106] exist Figure 15 The example shown is that the number of light-emitting parts 43 is 10, but the number of light-emitting parts 43 is not particularly limited as long as there are two or more.

[0107] Even when the first light source 41 is an LED array, the size and shape of the light distribution pattern 400 vary depending on the selection of the light-emitting section 43 that emits the first light. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of the first light in the light distribution pattern 400 is adjusted by regulating the amount of first light emitted from each light-emitting section 43.

[0108] When the first light source unit 41 is an LED array, the right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 are set to be the same as when the first light source unit 41 is a miniature LED array.

[0109] The present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments and variations, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0110] For example, the light-emitting unit 43 can be any light-emitting unit that emits first light by emitting its own light, or it can be a light-emitting unit other than an LED or LD. In this case, the control unit 110 can control the voltage to each light-emitting unit 43 instead of controlling the current. By controlling the voltage, the power supply to each light-emitting unit 43 is controlled. As a result, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 is adjusted, and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern is adjusted.

[0111] The first lamp 40 can also be configured using LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) to diffract light emitted from the light source to form a desired light distribution pattern and emit it forward. Alternatively, the first lamp 40 can be configured using a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) to reflect light emitted from the light source, or it can be configured where light emitted from the light source passes through a liquid crystal panel. In the case of LCOS, it can be understood that multiple liquid crystal elements arranged in a matrix are light emitting units that emit light by reflecting light from the light source. In the case of DMD, multiple mirrors arranged in a matrix reflect light from the light source and emit light; therefore, each mirror can be understood as a light emitting unit. In the case of a liquid crystal panel, it can be understood that multiple liquid crystal elements arranged in a matrix are light emitting units that transmit light from the light source and emit it. In LCOS, DMD, and liquid crystal panels, the voltage applied to each light emitting unit can be controlled. By controlling the voltage, the power supply to each light emitting unit is controlled. As a result, the light reflection state of each liquid crystal element in the LCOS changes, the reflection direction of each mirror in the DMD changes, or the transmittance of each liquid crystal element in the liquid crystal panel changes. Through these changes, a desired light distribution pattern is formed, the amount of light emitted from each light emitting part is adjusted, and the intensity distribution of light in the light distribution pattern is adjusted.

[0112] Alternatively, one of the first light source section 41 of the lighting unit 30a and the first light source section 41 of the lighting unit 30b may be configured as a micro LED array, and the other may be configured as an LED array.

[0113] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlight that can suppress the reduction of visibility on the side of the vehicle turning when electronic rotation is performed can be provided, and can be used in the field of vehicle headlights such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight, characterized in that, have: The right-side light fixture has multiple light-emitting sections and is located on the right side of the vehicle. The light from these multiple light-emitting sections forms a right-side light distribution pattern as part of the high beam light distribution pattern. The left-side lamp has multiple light-emitting sections and is disposed on the left side of the vehicle. The light from these multiple light-emitting sections forms a left-side light distribution pattern, which is another part of the light distribution pattern of the high beam, on the left side of the right-side light distribution pattern. as well as The control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting sections of each of the right-side lamps and the light emitting sections of each of the left-side lamps, so that the areas of highest light intensity in the right-side light distribution pattern and the areas of highest light intensity in the left-side light distribution pattern move left and right within their respective light distribution patterns in accordance with the vehicle's steering angle. The right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern each include overlapping areas where the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern overlap, and non-overlapping areas where the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern do not overlap. When the steering angle is larger than a predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each of the right-hand lamps and the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each of the left-hand lamps, so that the first region with the highest light intensity in the light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle turning (i.e., the first light distribution pattern) of the right-hand light distribution pattern and the left-hand light distribution pattern is located in the non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern, and the second region with the highest light intensity in the light distribution pattern on the side opposite to the turning side of the vehicle (i.e., the second light distribution pattern) of the right-hand light distribution pattern and the left-hand light distribution pattern is located in the overlapping region, and the first intensity of the light in the first region is higher than the sum of the second intensity of the light in the second region and the third intensity of the light in the region of the first light distribution pattern that overlaps with the second region.

2. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the steering angle is greater than the specified angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of the light fixture on the opposite side of the right-hand lamp and the left-hand lamp, so that the first intensity is higher than the intensity of the light in the overlapping area of ​​the light distribution pattern formed by the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern.

3. The vehicle headlight according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the steering angle is greater than the specified angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each of the lamps on the opposite side, so that the intensity of the light in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern is lower than the intensity of the light in the overlapping region of the second light distribution pattern.

4. The vehicle headlight according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each of the right-hand lamp and the left-hand lamp on the side of the vehicle turning, so that the first intensity becomes higher compared to the case where the steering angle is below the predetermined angle.

5. The vehicle headlight according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting portion of each lamp on the turning side, so that the light intensity in the non-overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern is higher than when the steering angle is below the predetermined angle and the first area is located in the overlapping area of ​​the first light distribution pattern.

6. The vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plurality of light-emitting parts of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting parts of the left-side lamp are arranged in a matrix array.

7. The vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plurality of light-emitting parts of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting parts of the left-side lamp are arranged in an array.

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