Vehicle headlamp

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp. A vehicle headlamp (1) has a light source section (10) that forms a light distribution pattern that can be changed by each light emitted from a light source group (130). A control section (CO) causes each first light source in the light source group (130) that emits light toward a first region (AR1) that includes a region coinciding with a visual confirmation section of another vehicle used by a driver of the other vehicle to visually confirm the other vehicle to emit light at a lower intensity than when no detection signal is input, in the case where a detection signal of the other vehicle is input from a detection section (29) that detects the other vehicle present in front of a host vehicle (100), and causes a second light source in the light source group (130) that emits light toward a second region (AR2) surrounding the first region (AR1) to emit light such that the closer the second light source is to the first region (AR1), the lower the intensity of the light emitted by the second light source toward a lower region (BA1) on a lower side than the first region (AR1).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As a vehicle headlight, for example, there is a vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1. The vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1 includes an LED array composed of multiple LEDs, forming a light distribution pattern that can be changed by the individual lights emitted from the LED array. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1, when other vehicles are present in front of the vehicle, the LEDs in the LED array that illuminate other vehicles and their surrounding areas are turned off, performing so-called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control. According to the vehicle headlight described in Patent Document 1, by performing ADB control in this way, the areas in the aforementioned light distribution pattern that overlap with other vehicles and the areas surrounding those areas are darker than other areas, thus suppressing glare for other vehicles.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-131922 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when a vehicle equipped with the headlights described in Patent Document 1 experiences bumps, the area without reduced light sometimes suddenly overlaps with other vehicles, causing glare for other drivers. Therefore, it is desirable to further suppress glare for other vehicles when ADB control is performed.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlight capable of suppressing glare to other vehicles when ADB control is performed.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the vehicle headlight of the present invention includes a light source unit and a control unit. The light source unit forms a light distribution pattern that can be changed by the light emitted from each light source group. When a detection signal of another vehicle is input from a detection unit that detects another vehicle present in front of the vehicle, the control unit causes each first light source in the light source group that emits light to a first region including a region that overlaps with a visual confirmation unit used by the driver of the other vehicle to visually confirm the other vehicle outside the vehicle to emit light with a lower intensity than when the detection signal is not input. Furthermore, the control unit causes the second light source in the light source group that emits light to a second region surrounding the first region to emit light to a lower region below the first region to emit light with a lower intensity the closer the second light source is to the first region.

[0007] The visual confirmation unit refers to the rear windshield and side mirrors of the vehicle in front when the other vehicle is traveling ahead, and the windshield of the oncoming vehicle when the other vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction. Based on the vehicle's headlights, since the intensity of the light emitted from the first light source is lower than when no detection signal for other vehicles is input, the first area overlapping the visual confirmation unit of other vehicles is darker than when no detection signal is input. Therefore, by darkening the first area as described above, glare from other vehicles during ADB control can be suppressed.

[0008] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlight, the control unit causes the second light source, which emits light to the lower region of the second region located below the first region, to emit light with decreasing intensity as it approaches the first region. Therefore, in this vehicle headlight, a gradual decrease in light intensity is formed in the second region located below the first region as it approaches the first region. This causes the lower region of the second region to darken as it moves towards the first region. Therefore, even if, for example, the lower region of the second region overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles due to the vehicle's upward tilt caused by bumps, this gradual change prevents other vehicles from being suddenly illuminated by bright light. Thus, according to this vehicle headlight, glare to other vehicles during ADB control can be more effectively suppressed.

[0009] In addition, when the vehicle is tilted such that the front side of the vehicle is higher than the rear side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle, the wider the vertical width of the lower region becomes.

[0010] Therefore, when the second region moves upward and overlaps with the visual recognition area of ​​other vehicles, the lower region with the aforementioned gradient easily overlaps with the visual recognition area of ​​other vehicles. Thus, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare from other vehicles during ADB control.

[0011] In addition, it is preferable that when the control unit inputs the detection signal from the detection unit, the second light source that emits light to the upper region above the first region emits light as follows: the intensity of the second light source that emits light closer to the first region is lower.

[0012] According to this structure, in the second region located above the first region, a gradient is formed where the light intensity decreases as one approaches the first region. Thus, the upper area of ​​the second region darkens as it moves towards the first region. Therefore, even if, for example, the upper area of ​​the second region overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​another vehicle due to the vehicle's downward tilt caused by bumps, this gradient prevents the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles from being suddenly illuminated by bright light. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare from other vehicles when performing ADB control.

[0013] In addition, when the vehicle is tilted such that the rear side of the vehicle is higher than the front side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle, the wider the vertical width of the upper region becomes.

[0014] Therefore, when the second region moves downwards and overlaps with the visual recognition area of ​​other vehicles, the upper region with the aforementioned gradient is more likely to overlap with the visual recognition area of ​​other vehicles. Thus, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare from other vehicles during ADB control.

[0015] In addition, when the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit may cause at least one of the second light source that emits light to the left region, which is to the left of the first region, and the second light source that emits light to the right region, which is to the right of the first region, to emit light with a lower intensity the closer the second light source is to the first region.

[0016] In addition, in this manual, left and right refer to left and right based on the direction of travel of this vehicle unless otherwise specified.

[0017] According to this structure, in the second region located to the left of the first region, a gradual decrease in light intensity is formed as one approaches the first region. At this time, the aforementioned left-side region darkens as one moves towards the first region. Furthermore, according to this structure, in the second region located to the right of the first region, a gradual decrease in light intensity is formed as one approaches the first region. At this time, the aforementioned right-side region darkens as one moves towards the first region. Therefore, even if at least one of the left and right sides of the second region overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​another vehicle due to changes in the relative position of this vehicle and other vehicles in the left-right direction, the presence of this gradual change suppresses the sudden bright illumination of the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare from other vehicles during ADB control.

[0018] In addition, preferably, at least one of the left-right width of the left side region and the right-right width is smaller than the top-bottom width of the lower side region.

[0019] When at least one of the left-right width of the aforementioned left region and the left-right width of the aforementioned right region is smaller than the vertical width of the aforementioned lower region, the area in the second region that does not form a gradient can be enlarged compared to the case where both the left-right width of the left region and the right-right width are greater than the vertical width of the lower region. Since the area without a gradient is located on the opposite side of the left and right regions from the first region, it is generally brighter than the left and right regions. Therefore, because the area without a gradient in the second region is enlarged, the area in front of the vehicle becomes brighter, improving visual visibility during ADB control.

[0020] Furthermore, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the ratio of the left-side width of the left-side region to the left-side width of the first region can be greater than the ratio of the left-side width of the left-side region to the left-side width of the first region when the other vehicle is a vehicle traveling in front.

[0021] When an oncoming vehicle suddenly approaches another vehicle, the relative position of the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle in the left-right direction tends to shift to the left compared to the relative position of the vehicle and the other vehicle in the left-right direction. Therefore, as described above, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the ratio of the width of the left-right area in the left-right direction to the width of the first area in the left-right direction is greater than the ratio of the width of the left-right area in the left-right direction to the width of the first area when the other vehicle is the other vehicle. In this case, compared to setting the aforementioned width ratio to less than the ratio of the left-right area to the first area when the other vehicle is the other vehicle, the width of the left-right area in the left-right direction when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle can be increased. Therefore, even when the oncoming vehicle rapidly approaches the vehicle and the left-right area of ​​the second area coincides with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle, the presence of a gradually changing left-right area can suppress the sudden bright illumination of the visual confirmation area of ​​the approaching oncoming vehicle. Therefore, the glare from oncoming vehicles can be effectively suppressed.

[0022] In addition, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the ratio of the width of the right side region in the left-right direction to the width of the first region in the left-right direction can also be greater than the ratio of the width of the right side region in the left-right direction to the width of the first region in the left-right direction when the other vehicle is a vehicle traveling in front.

[0023] As described above, because an oncoming vehicle approaches suddenly compared to a vehicle in front, the relative position of this vehicle and the oncoming vehicle in the left-right direction is more likely to shift to the right than the relative position of this vehicle and the vehicle in front in the left-right direction. Therefore, as described above, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the ratio of the width of the right-side region in the left-right direction to the width of the first region in the left-right direction is greater than the ratio of the width of the right-side region in the left-right direction to the width of the first region when the other vehicle is in front. In this case, compared to setting the aforementioned width ratio to less than the ratio of the right-side region to the first region when the other vehicle is in front, the width of the right-side region in the left-right direction when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle can be increased. Therefore, even if the oncoming vehicle rapidly approaches this vehicle and the right-side region of the second region coincides with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle, the presence of a gradually changing right-side region can suppress the sudden bright illumination of the visual confirmation area of ​​the approaching oncoming vehicle. Therefore, the glare from oncoming vehicles during ADB control can be effectively suppressed.

[0024] Furthermore, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the width in the left-right direction of the third region, which is the region away from the side of the vehicle, may be greater than the width in the left-right direction of the fourth region, which is the region close to the side of the vehicle, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle.

[0025] When an oncoming vehicle approaches, the area in the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle expands rapidly away from the vehicle compared to the side closer to the vehicle. Therefore, when other vehicles are oncoming, the side of the left and right sides of the second region that is farther from the vehicle is more likely to overlap with the oncoming vehicle than the side of the left and right sides of the second region that is closer to the vehicle. Therefore, as described above, the width of the third region in the left-right direction is made greater than the width of the fourth region in the left-right direction. Thus, even when the area in the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle expands rapidly away from the vehicle due to the approach of an oncoming vehicle, causing the second region to overlap with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle, the presence of a gradually changing left and right region can suppress the sudden bright illumination of the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle. Therefore, the glare from oncoming vehicles during ADB control can be suppressed more effectively.

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle headlight that can suppress glare to other vehicles when ADB control is performed. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a conceptual top view of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlights according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a general representation Figure 1 The image shows a side view of a light source section.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a general representation Figure 2 The front view of the light distribution pattern forming section shown.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an example of a headlight pattern when there are no other vehicles in front of this vehicle.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control process in the control department.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a magnified view showing a portion of the light source group.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an example of a light distribution pattern shown when there is a vehicle traveling in front of this vehicle.

[0034] Figure 8 This is an example of a light distribution pattern shown when there is an oncoming vehicle in front of the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 9 This is an example of a light distribution pattern shown when there are vehicles traveling in front and oncoming vehicles in front of the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is related to the appendix. Figure 1 The following examples illustrate a vehicle headlight used to implement the present invention. The embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit or explain the invention. The invention can be modified and improved upon without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, in the above drawings, the dimensions of various components are sometimes exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a conceptual top view of the vehicle 100 with a vehicle headlight having an embodiment implemented. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a vehicle headlight system 2, which includes a vehicle headlight 1, a detection device 20, and a tilt calculation device 21, etc.

[0038] First, the vehicle headlight 1, which constitutes the vehicle headlight system 2, will be explained.

[0039] The main structure of the vehicle headlight 1 includes a pair of left and right light source units 10, a control unit CO, a determination unit 25, a pair of power supply circuits 30, and a memory ME.

[0040] In this embodiment, a pair of light source units 10 are formed in a shape that is substantially symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and emit light with a changeable light distribution pattern to other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100. In addition, the structure of one light source unit 10 is the same as that of the other light source unit 10, except that the shape is substantially symmetrical. Therefore, the description of one light source unit 10 will be given below, and the description of the other light source unit 10 will be omitted.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a general representation Figure 1 A side view of a light source unit 10 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the main structure of the light source unit 10 includes a light distribution pattern forming unit 12, a projection lens 15, and a frame 16.

[0042] In addition, the so-called light distribution pattern refers to the shape of an image projected onto a surface, for example, placed 25m in front, and the intensity distribution of light in that image.

[0043] At least the front side of the frame 16 is light-transmitting, and a light distribution pattern forming part 12 and a projection lens 15 are housed in the lamp chamber R formed by the frame 16.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a general representation Figure 2 The front view of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 of this embodiment has a light source group 130 composed of a plurality of light sources 13 that emit light, and a circuit board 14 for mounting the light source group 130. The circuit board 14 is connected to the power supply circuit 30.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple light sources 13 are arranged in a matrix, and each light source 13 emits light forward. In this embodiment, these light sources 13 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is configured as an LED array.

[0046] Here, if the arrangement of multiple light sources 13 along the left-right direction is set as rows, and the arrangement of multiple light sources 13 along the up-down direction is set as columns, then in this embodiment, the multiple light sources 13 are configured in an n-row × m-column arrangement. Figure 3 The rightmost column, which is the first column, is the leftmost column when the direction of travel is taken as the reference. Figure 3 The leftmost column, i.e., the m-th column, is the rightmost column when the direction of movement is taken as the reference. Additionally, the first row is the top row, and the n-th row is the bottom row. Figure 3 In order to determine the position of the light source 13 in the above configuration, for convenience, a portion of the light source 13 will be referred to as light source 13. n-mFor example, light source 13 1-1 It is the topmost and leftmost light source relative to the direction of travel, light source 13. 2-1 It is the second light source from the top and the leftmost light source based on the direction of travel, light source 13. 1-2 It is the second light source from the left at the top, based on the direction of travel; light source 13. n-m It is the light source at the bottom and on the far right relative to the direction of travel.

[0047] Furthermore, the arrangement direction of the light source 13 is not limited to the direction described above. Additionally, the structure of the light source unit 10 is not limited to the above. For example, other structures of the light source unit 10 include a structure consisting of a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) and a light source irradiating the DMD, or a structure consisting of an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) and light emitting onto the LCOS. In the former, the multiple reflective elements contained in the DMD can be considered equivalent to the multiple light sources in the LED array described above; in the latter, the multiple liquid crystal elements contained in the LCOS can be considered equivalent to the multiple light sources in the LED array described above.

[0048] The light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can change the light distribution pattern formed by each light emitted from the light source group 130 by emitting light from a portion of the light source 13 in the light source group 130 to extinguish the other light sources 13, or by setting differences in the intensity of the light emitted from each light source 13.

[0049] The projection lens 15 is a lens for adjusting the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 15 is positioned in front of the light distribution pattern forming section 12. When light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming section 12 enters the projection lens 15, the projection lens 15 adjusts the divergence angle of each light. In this embodiment, the projection lens 15 is a lens with a convex incident surface and an exit surface, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the light exit surface of any light source 13 in the light distribution pattern forming section 12. The divergence angle of the light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming section 12 is adjusted by the projection lens 15. Thus, the light forming the light distribution pattern is emitted from the light source section 10 towards the front of the vehicle 100 via the frame 16.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light source group 130 and passing through the projection lens 15. Figure 4 The light distribution pattern P1 shown is an example of a light distribution pattern in the case where there are no other vehicles traveling in front of or oncoming in front of this vehicle 100. This light distribution pattern P1 is a case where each light source 13 is supplied with approximately the same power and emits light of approximately the same intensity from each light source 13. Furthermore, in Figure 4And as will be discussed later Figures 7-9 In the middle, line V is a line that passes through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction and extends in the up-down direction, while line H is a horizontal line.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the light distribution pattern P1 is approximately rectangular. This light distribution pattern P1 is formed by a set of multiple generally positively oriented regional light distribution patterns DP. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern P1 is a structure consisting of a set of n rows × m columns of regional light distribution patterns DP. Figure 4 The leftmost column is the leftmost column relative to the direction of travel, and the rightmost column (m-th column) is the rightmost column relative to the direction of travel. Additionally, the first row is the top row, and the n-th row is the bottom row. Figure 4 In order to determine the position of each zone distribution light pattern DP in the above set, for convenience, a portion of the zone distribution light patterns DP are denoted as zone distribution light patterns DP. n-m For example, the distribution of light patterns (DP). 1-1 The topmost and leftmost zoning pattern is the DP zoning pattern. 2-1 The second from the top and leftmost zoning pattern, zoning pattern DP 1-2 The second-to-last zone light pattern from the left is the zone light pattern DP. n-m It is the bottommost and rightmost zoned lighting pattern based on the direction of travel.

[0052] In this embodiment, Figure 4 The respective positions of the distributed light pattern DP shown are... Figure 3 The positions of the light sources 13 shown correspond to each other. Therefore, for example, the distribution pattern DP is divided. 1-1 It is from light source 13 1-1 The emitted light forms a zoned light distribution pattern, DP. 2-1 It is from light source 13 2-1 The emitted light forms a zoned light distribution pattern, DP. 1-2 It is from light source 13 1-2 The emitted light forms a zoned light distribution pattern, DP. n-m It is from light source 13 n-m The emitted light forms a zoned light distribution pattern. In this embodiment, the light intensity of each zoned light distribution pattern DP in the light distribution pattern P1 is approximately the same.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the control unit CO is connected to the power supply circuit 30, and controls the light source unit 10 via the power supply circuit 30.

[0054] The determination unit 25 is connected to the control unit CO. Based on the detection signal from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 determines whether other vehicles detected by the detection device 20 meet certain requirements. For example, a requirement could be that the distance between other vehicles and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance is, for example, 100m.

[0055] In this embodiment, when other vehicles meet the specified requirements and a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is a vehicle in front is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 outputs to the control unit CO a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is a vehicle in front, a signal related to the distance from the vehicle 100 to the rear windshield or side mirror of the vehicle in front, and a signal indicating the position of the rear windshield or side mirror of the vehicle in front relative to the vehicle 100. Furthermore, when other vehicles meet the specified requirements and a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 outputs to the control unit CO a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the windshield of the oncoming vehicle, and a signal indicating the position of the windshield of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. On the other hand, when other vehicles do not meet the specified requirements or when no detection signal is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 does not output a signal to the control unit CO. Thus, the determination unit 25 determines the situation by differentiating the output signal based on the detection signal input from the detection device 20. Hereinafter, a detection signal indicating that another vehicle is an oncoming vehicle will be described as an oncoming vehicle detection signal only, and a detection signal indicating that another vehicle is a vehicle in front will be described as a vehicle in front detection signal only.

[0056] The power supply circuit 30 includes a driver that adjusts the power supplied to each light source 13 when a signal is input from the control unit CO. As a result, the intensity of the light emitted from each light source 13 is adjusted. Alternatively, the driver of the power supply circuit 30 can also adjust the power supplied to each light source 13 via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the intensity of the light emitted from each light source 13 is adjusted by regulating the duty cycle.

[0057] The memory ME is connected to the control unit CO, and is configured to store and retrieve stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), but can include any form of recording medium such as optical or magnetic recording media. Furthermore, the term "non-transitory" includes a recording medium capable of retrieving all data except for transient propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media.

[0058] The memory ME stores tables and other information related to the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light source 10 and information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. Examples of information related to the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light source 10 include information related to the power supplied to each light source 13. Examples of information related to the power supplied to each light source 13 include information related to the power supplied to each light source 13 when no other vehicle is detected, information related to the power supplied to each light source when other vehicles are detected, and information related to the tilt angle of the vehicle 100. Additionally, information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20 includes information such as whether the other vehicle is a forward or oncoming vehicle, information related to the distance from the vehicle 100 to the windshield, rear windshield, and side mirrors of other vehicles, and information related to the position of the windshield, rear windshield, and side mirrors of other vehicles relative to the vehicle 100. In addition, as information relating to the position of other vehicles relative to this vehicle 100, for example, information about the position of a pair of light spots in a camera image can be cited.

[0059] Next, the detection device 20 and the tilt calculation device 21 constituting the vehicle headlight system 2 will be described.

[0060] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the detection device 20 includes a millimeter-wave radar 27, a camera 28, and a detection unit 29. The camera 28 is mounted on the front of the vehicle 100 and takes pictures of the front of the vehicle 100 at predetermined time intervals, for example, 1 / 30th of a second. Furthermore, the camera 28 can be, for example, a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera. The image captured by the camera 28 includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by light emitted from the light source 10. The millimeter-wave radar 27 is mounted on the front of the vehicle 100, emits millimeter waves forward, and receives millimeter waves reflected by other vehicles. The detection unit 29 is connected to the millimeter-wave radar 27, the camera 28, and the determination unit 25. Based on data from camera images captured by camera 28 and millimeter-wave data received by millimeter-wave radar 27 from other vehicles, detection unit 29 detects the distances to the windshields, rear windshields, and side mirrors of other vehicles, as well as the positions of those windshields, rear windshields, and side mirrors relative to vehicle 100. Furthermore, based on the aforementioned camera image data and millimeter-wave data, detection unit 29 identifies whether the other vehicle is a vehicle traveling in front or an oncoming vehicle.

[0061] In this embodiment, when a camera image is input from the camera 28 showing a pair of white light spots with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness, spaced at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, the detection unit 29 outputs a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the detection unit 29 outputs the oncoming vehicle detection signal to the determination unit 25, it calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the windshield of the oncoming vehicle or the position of the oncoming vehicle's windshield based on the position of the pair of white light spots in the camera image, the distance between the pair of white light spots, and data from the millimeter-wave radar 27, and outputs a signal indicating the distance or position to the windshield of the oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 25.

[0062] Furthermore, when the detection unit 29 receives a camera image from the camera 28 showing a pair of red light spots with a brightness higher than a specified brightness, spaced at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, it outputs a detection signal of the preceding vehicle to the determination unit 25. In this embodiment, when the detection unit 29 outputs a detection signal of the preceding vehicle to the determination unit 25, it calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the rear windshield or rearview mirror of the preceding vehicle, and the position of the rear windshield or rearview mirror of the preceding vehicle, based on the position of the pair of red light spots in the camera image, the distance between the pair of red light spots, and data from the millimeter-wave radar 27. It then outputs a signal indicating the distance or position to the rear windshield or rearview mirror of the preceding vehicle to the determination unit 25.

[0063] On the other hand, the detection unit 29 does not output a detection signal if there is no pair of light spots in the camera image that are separated by a specified interval in the left-right direction and have a brightness higher than the specified brightness, or if the millimeter wave received by the millimeter wave radar has a lower intensity than the specified intensity.

[0064] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the structure of the detection device 20, the detection method for other vehicles detected by the detection device 20, the calculation method for the distance from this vehicle 100 to other vehicles or the position of other vehicles, and the identification method for oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead. For example, the detection device 20 can use LiDAR instead of millimeter-wave radar.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the tilt calculation device 21 includes a vehicle height sensor 22 and a calculation unit 23. The vehicle height sensor 22 is connected to the calculation unit 23. In this embodiment, the vehicle height sensor 22 is mounted on the front wheel suspension of the vehicle 100 and outputs a signal indicating the displacement of the suspension to the calculation unit 23. The calculation unit 23 is connected to the control unit CO. Based on the signal indicating the displacement, the calculation unit 23 calculates the tilt angle of the vehicle 100 when the front side is higher than the rear side and the tilt angle of the vehicle 100 when the rear side is higher than the front side, based on a predetermined algorithm, and outputs a signal indicating the tilt angle to the control unit CO. In addition, in this embodiment, the former tilt angle is represented by a positive sign, and the latter tilt angle is represented by a negative sign.

[0066] Furthermore, the aforementioned control unit CO, determination unit 25, detection unit 29, and calculation unit 23 can utilize integrated circuits such as microcontrollers, ICs (Integrated Circuits), LSIs (Large-scale Integrated Circuits), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), or NC (Numerical Control) devices. Additionally, when using an NC device, a machine learning machine can be used or not. Furthermore, at least a portion of the control unit CO, determination unit 25, detection unit 29, and calculation unit 23 can be incorporated as part of the vehicle 100's ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0067] In this embodiment, the control unit CO changes the light distribution pattern by controlling the light source unit 10, for example, as follows. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control by the control unit CO, showing an example of control starting from a certain moment during the movement of the vehicle 100. For example... Figure 5As shown, the control flow includes steps SP1 to SP5.

[0068] (Step SP1)

[0069] If neither the oncoming vehicle detection signal nor the forward vehicle detection signal, which serves as a detection signal for other vehicles, is input from the detection unit 29 to the control unit CO via the determination unit 25, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP2. On the other hand, if either the oncoming vehicle detection signal or the forward vehicle detection signal, which serves as a detection signal for other vehicles, is input from the detection unit 29 to the control unit CO via the determination unit 25, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP3.

[0070] (Step SP2)

[0071] In this step, the control unit CO, referring to the data stored in the aforementioned memory, outputs a first control signal to the power supply circuit 30. This first control signal applies power to each of the light sources 13 to form... Figure 4 The signal of the light distribution pattern P1 shown. Therefore, the same power is applied to all of the multiple light sources 13 via the power supply circuit 30. Thus, light of approximately the same intensity is emitted from each light source 13, forming... Figure 4 The light distribution pattern P1 is shown. After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0072] (Step SP3)

[0073] When the calculation unit 23 of the tilt calculation device 21 inputs a signal to the control unit CO indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the vehicle 100 is below a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time, the control unit CO initiates the control flow to step SP4. This predetermined time may be, for example, 20 ms or more and 500 ms or less. Furthermore, the aforementioned tilt threshold may be, for example, 0.5° or more and 3° or less. If the tilt of the vehicle 100 is below such a threshold, it can be considered that the vehicle is traveling horizontally and is not tilting vertically. On the other hand, when the calculation unit 23 inputs a signal to the control unit CO indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the vehicle 100 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit CO initiates the control flow to step SP5.

[0074] (Step SP4)

[0075] In this step, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 10 as follows. Here, the case where the detection signal of the preceding vehicle is input to the control unit CO, but the detection signal of the oncoming vehicle is not input to the control unit CO will be explained.

[0076] When the control unit CO receives a detection signal for the preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the current vehicle 100 to the rear windshield and side mirrors of the preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the position of the rear windshield and side mirrors of the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the current vehicle 100 is below a threshold, the control unit CO, referring to the data stored in the aforementioned memory ME, outputs a second control signal corresponding to these signals to the power supply circuit 30. The power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the plurality of light sources 13 based on this second control signal.

[0077] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the light source assembly 130. The light source assembly 130 includes a plurality of first light sources and a plurality of second light sources. The plurality of first light sources are each located within the solid-lined frame FR1 and emit light into the area overlapping with and around the rear windshield and the pair of side mirrors of the detected vehicle ahead. The rear windshield and the pair of side mirrors of the vehicle ahead are used to enable the driver of the vehicle ahead to visually confirm the vehicle's visual confirmation area outside the vehicle. On the other hand, the plurality of second light sources are each located outside the frame FR1 and emit light into areas other than the area overlapping with and around the visual confirmation area of ​​the vehicle ahead.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second control signal is a control signal that does not supply power to the first light source. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supplied to the first light source is approximately zero, and the intensity of the light emitted from each of the first light sources is approximately zero. Thus, the control unit CO causes the first light sources to emit light with an intensity lower than when the aforementioned detection signal is not input. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second control signal is a control signal that supplies power to the second light sources as follows: In this embodiment, each of the second light sources emits light with an intensity higher than that of the first light source.

[0079] The power supply circuit 30, based on a second control signal, supplies a first power greater than zero to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in a row lower than frame FR1. Figure 6 In this configuration, the multiple light sources 13 supplied with the first power are arranged within the dashed frame FR2, which is located directly below the first light source. Furthermore, based on a second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a second power, greater than the first power, to each light source 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR3, located in the row below FR2. Frame FR3 is located directly below frames FR1 and FR2. Additionally, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a third power, greater than the second power, to each light source 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR4, located in the row below FR3. Frame FR4 is located directly below frame FR3.

[0080] Additionally, the power supply circuit 30, based on the second control signal, supplies a fourth power greater than zero to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in the upper row of frame FR1. Figure 6 In this configuration, the multiple light sources 13 supplied with the fourth power are arranged within the dashed frame FR5, which is located directly above the first light source. Additionally, the power supply circuit 30, based on a second control signal, supplies a fifth power, greater than the fourth power, to each of the light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR6 located one row above frame FR5. Frame FR6 is located directly above frames FR1 and FR5.

[0081] Additionally, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a sixth power greater than zero to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in a column to the left of frame FR1 based on a second control signal. Figure 6 In this configuration, the multiple light sources 13 supplied with the sixth power are light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR7, which is located to the side of the first light source. Additionally, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a seventh power, greater than the sixth power, to each light source 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR8, which is positioned one column to the left of frame FR7, based on a second control signal. Frame FR8 is located to the side of both frames FR1 and FR7.

[0082] Additionally, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a positive eighth power to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in a column to the right of frame FR1 based on a second control signal. Figure 6 In this configuration, the multiple light sources 13 supplied with the eighth power are light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR9, which is located to the side of the first light source. Additionally, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a ninth power, greater than the eighth power, to each light source 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR10, which is positioned one column to the right of frame FR9, based on a second control signal. Frame FR10 is located to the side of both frames FR1 and FR9.

[0083] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a tenth power to each of the aforementioned second light sources 13, excluding those located in frames FR2 to FR10, based on a second control signal. This tenth power is a power greater than the first to ninth power, and in this embodiment, it is related to the formation of... Figure 4 In the case of the light distribution pattern P1 shown, the power supplied to each light source 13 is the same.

[0084] The power applied to the light source is approximately proportional to the intensity of the light emitted from the light source. Therefore, as described above, by imparting a difference in the power supplied to the light source 13, a light distribution pattern is formed in which the intensity of the light varies depending on the region. Figure 7 This refers to the light distribution pattern P2 formed based on the aforementioned second control signal.

[0085] As described above, the multiple first light sources within frame FR1 emit light into the area overlapping the rear windshield and the pair of side mirrors of the detected forward vehicle 200, and the surrounding first area AR1. However, in this step, the power supplied to each first light source is zero. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, in the light distribution pattern P2, the light intensity in the first region AR1, which overlaps with the rear windshield 201 and the left and right side mirrors 202 of the preceding vehicle 200, is approximately zero, making it darker compared to the surrounding areas. Thus, the light source group 130 includes multiple first light sources that emit light into the first region AR1. In this step, the control unit CO emits light with a lower luminous intensity to each first light source than when no detection signal is input. Furthermore, when the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 200, the lower end of the first region AR1 is positioned below the lower end of the rear windshield 201 of the preceding vehicle 200; in this embodiment, this is the lower end of the left and right side taillights 203 of the preceding vehicle 200. On the other hand, since a first to tenth power greater than zero is supplied to the second light source 13 (which is a light source other than the first light source), the area surrounding the first region AR1, i.e., the second region AR2, is brighter than the first region AR1.

[0086] However, since the light source 13 arranged in frame FR2 is located directly below the first light source, the light emitted from each light source 13 in frame FR2 illuminates the generally strip-shaped region A1, which is located directly below the first region AR1 and is surrounded by a dashed line. Thus, region A1 becomes brighter than the first region AR1. Similarly, since the light source 13 arranged in frame FR3 is located directly below the light source 13 arranged in frame FR2, the light emitted from each light source 13 in frame FR3 illuminates the generally strip-shaped region A2, which is located directly below region A1 and is surrounded by a dashed line. Thus, region A2 becomes brighter than region A1. Likewise, the light emitted from each light source 13 in frame FR4 illuminates the region A3, which is located directly below region A2 and is surrounded by a dashed line, making region A3 brighter than region A2. The region formed by these regions A1 to A3 is the lower region BA1 of the second region AR2, extending downwards from the first region AR1 to the lower side of other vehicles. It is a region where the light intensity increases as it moves downwards, and a region where the light intensity decreases as it approaches the first region AR1. The region below region A3 is brighter than region A3.

[0087] Thus, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light into a lower region BA1 that is lower than the first region AR1. Moreover, in this step, the control unit CO causes each of the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light into the lower region BA1 that is lower than the first region AR1 to emit light in the following manner: the closer the second light source is to the first region AR1, the lower its intensity.

[0088] Furthermore, since the light source 13 disposed within the aforementioned frame FR5 is located directly above the first light source, the light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR5 illuminates a generally strip-shaped area A4 surrounded by a dashed line, located directly above the first region AR1. Thus, region A4 becomes brighter than the first region AR1. Additionally, since the light source 13 disposed within frame FR6 is located directly above the light source 13 disposed within frame FR5, the light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR6 illuminates a generally strip-shaped area A5 surrounded by a dashed line, located directly above region A4. Thus, region A5 becomes brighter than region A4. The region formed by these regions A4 and A5 is the upper region BA2 of the second region AR2, extending upwards from the first region AR1 above other vehicles. It is a region where the light intensity increases as it moves upwards and decreases as it approaches the first region AR1. The region above region A5 is brighter than region A5. In addition, the vertical width of the upper region BA2, which is composed of two regions A4 and A5, is smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1, which is composed of three regions A1 to A3.

[0089] Thus, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light into an upper region BA2 that is higher than the first region AR1. Moreover, in this step, the control unit CO causes each of the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light into the upper region BA2 that is higher than the first region AR1 to emit light in the following manner: the second light source that emits light closer to the first region AR1 has a lower intensity.

[0090] Furthermore, since the light source 13 arranged within the aforementioned frame FR9 is located on the right side of the first light source when viewed from the front, the light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR9 illuminates a roughly strip-shaped area A6, surrounded by a dashed line, located on the left side of the first region AR1. Thus, area A6 becomes brighter than the first region AR1. Additionally, since the light source 13 arranged within frame FR10 is located on the right side of the light source 13 arranged within frame FR9 when viewed from the front, the light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR10 illuminates a roughly strip-shaped area A7, surrounded by a dashed line, located on the left side of area A6. Thus, area A7 becomes brighter than area A6. The area formed by these areas A6 and A7 is the left-side area BA3 of the second region AR2, extending to the left of the first region AR1 from the left side of other vehicles. This area has a higher light intensity as it moves to the left and a lower light intensity as it approaches the first region AR1. The area to the left of area A7 is brighter than area A7. In addition, in this embodiment, the width of the left region BA3, which is composed of two regions A6 and A7, in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the lower region BA1, which is composed of three regions A1 to A3, in the up-down direction.

[0091] Thus, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light into the left region BA3, which is located to the left of the first region AR1. Furthermore, in this step, the control unit CO causes each of the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light into the left region BA3, which is located to the left of the first region AR1, to emit light with the following intensity: the closer the second light source is to the side that emits light into the first region AR1, the lower its intensity.

[0092] Furthermore, since the light source 13 arranged within the aforementioned frame FR7 is located on the left side of the first light source when viewed from the front, the light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR7 illuminates a roughly strip-shaped area A8, surrounded by a dashed line, located on the right side of the first region AR1. Thus, area A8 becomes brighter than the first region AR1. Additionally, since the light source 13 arranged within frame FR8 is located on the left side of the light source 13 arranged within frame FR7 when viewed from the front, the light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR8 illuminates a roughly strip-shaped area A9, surrounded by a dashed line, located on the right side of area A8. Thus, area A9 becomes brighter than area A8. The area formed by these areas A8 and A9 is the right-side area BA4 of the second region AR2, extending to the right from the first region AR1 on the right side of other vehicles; it is an area where the light intensity increases as it faces to the right. The area to the right of area A9 is brighter than area A9. In addition, in this embodiment, the width of the right side region BA4, which is composed of two regions A8 and A9, in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the lower side region BA1, which is composed of three regions A1 to A3, in the up-down direction.

[0093] Thus, the light source group 130 includes multiple second light sources that emit light into the left region BA4, which is located to the right of the first region AR1. In this step, the control unit CO causes each of the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light into the right region BA4, which is located to the right of the first region AR1, to emit light with the following intensity: the closer the second light source is to the side that emits light into the first region AR1, the lower its intensity.

[0094] After this step, the control unit (CO) returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0095] (Step SP5)

[0096] In this step, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 10 as follows. Here, similar to step SP4, the case where the detection signal of the preceding vehicle is input to the control unit CO, but the detection signal of the oncoming vehicle is not input to the control unit CO, will be explained.

[0097] When the input signals are a detection signal of the preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the distance between the current vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the position of the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the current vehicle 100 is greater than a threshold, the control unit CO, referring to the data stored in the memory ME, outputs a third control signal corresponding to these signals to the power supply circuit 30. This third control signal is the control signal output when the tilt of the current vehicle 100 is positive.

[0098] Based on the third control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies an eleventh power, which is greater than the third power but less than the tenth power, to each light source 13 located in frame FR11 directly below frame FR4. Figure 6 In the diagram, frame FR11 is indicated by a single-dotted line. Furthermore, this step is identical to step SP4, except that an eleventh power is supplied to the light source 13 located within frame FR11.

[0099] The light source 13 disposed within frame FR11 is located directly below the light source 13 disposed within frame FR4. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR11 illuminates a roughly strip-shaped region A10, surrounded by a single-dotted line, located directly below region A3. Thus, region A10 becomes brighter than region A3. Furthermore, regions lower than region A10 are brighter than region A10. The region formed by regions A1 to A3 and A10 is the lower region BA1 in the second region AR2, extending downwards from the first region AR1 below other vehicles. It is a region where the light intensity increases towards the lower side and decreases as it approaches the first region AR1. In this step, the lower region BA1 is composed of four regions A1 to A3 and A10. Therefore, the vertical width of the lower region BA1 in this step is larger than the vertical width of the lower region BA1 in step SP4.

[0100] The power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the light source group 130 based on the third control signal, such that the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the greater the power applied as it moves downwards. Thus, when the vehicle 100 is tilted such that the front side of the vehicle 100 is higher than the rear side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the wider the vertical width of the lower region BA1 becomes.

[0101] On the other hand, when an input signal indicates that the absolute value of the tilt of the vehicle 100 is greater than a threshold and the tilt of the vehicle 100 is negative, the control unit CO refers to the data stored in the memory ME and outputs a fourth control signal corresponding to these signals to the power supply circuit 30.

[0102] Based on the fourth control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a twelfth power—greater than the fifth power but less than the tenth power—to each light source 13 located in frame FR12 directly above frame FR6. Figure 6 In the diagram, frame FR12 is indicated by a single-dotted line. Additionally, this step is the same as step SP4, except that a twelfth power is supplied to the light source 13 located within frame FR12.

[0103] The light source 13, positioned within frame FR12, is located directly above the light source 13 positioned within frame FR6. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, light emitted from each light source 13 within frame FR12 illuminates a roughly strip-shaped area A11, surrounded by a single-dotted line, located directly above area A5. Thus, area A11 becomes brighter than area A5. Furthermore, areas above area A11 are brighter than area A11. The area formed by areas A4, A5, and A11 is the upper area BA2 of the second area AR2, extending upwards from the first area AR1 above other vehicles. This area exhibits increasing light intensity towards the top and decreasing light intensity as it approaches the first area AR1. The upper area BA2 in this step is composed of three areas: A4, A5, and A11. Therefore, the vertical width of the upper area BA2 in this step is greater than the vertical width of the upper area BA2 in step SP4.

[0104] The power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the light source group 130 according to the fourth control signal, so that the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the greater the power applied as it moves upward. Thus, when the vehicle 100 is tilted such that the rear side of the vehicle 100 is higher than the front side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the wider the vertical width of the upper region BA2 becomes.

[0105] After this step, the control unit (CO) returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0106] Furthermore, regarding steps SP4 and SP5 above, an example was given where the other vehicle was the vehicle in front. However, the control unit CO also performs control in the same way when a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle is input. Thus, step SP4 forms... Figure 8 The light distribution pattern P3 is shown. This light distribution pattern P3 consists of a first region AR1, which includes an area overlapping the windshield 301 of the oncoming vehicle 300, and a second region AR2 surrounding the first region AR1. The first region AR1 is darker than the second region AR2. Furthermore, the windshield 301 is a visual confirmation section for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 300 to visually confirm the outside of the vehicle. When the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle 300, the lower end of the first region AR1 is lower than the lower end of the windshield 301 of the oncoming vehicle 300; in this embodiment, it is the lower end of the pair of left and right headlights 303 of the oncoming vehicle 300. Furthermore, similar to the light distribution pattern P2, the second region AR2 includes a lower region BA1 composed of regions A1 to A3, an upper region BA2 composed of regions A4 and A5, a left region BA3 composed of regions A6 and A7, and a right region BA4 composed of regions A8 and A9. In addition, step SP5 is performed by the control unit CO to form a lower region BA1 consisting of regions A1 to A3 and A10 or an upper region BA2 consisting of regions A4, A5 and A11.

[0107] Furthermore, the control unit CO performs control in the same way when both the detection signal of the preceding vehicle and the detection signal of the oncoming vehicle are input. Thus, step SP4 forms... Figure 9 The light distribution pattern P4 is shown. In this light distribution pattern P4, a lower region BA1, an upper region BA2, a left region BA3, and a right region BA4 are formed around a first region AR1, which includes the area overlapping with the rear windshield 201, which serves as the visual confirmation section of the preceding vehicle 200, and a pair of left and right door rearview mirrors 202. Similarly, a lower region BA1, an upper region BA2, a left region BA3, and a right region BA4 are formed around the first region AR1, which includes the area overlapping with the front windshield 301, which serves as the visual confirmation section of the oncoming vehicle 300. Furthermore, by performing step SP5 through the control unit CO, a lower region BA1 composed of regions A1 to A3 and A10, or an upper region BA2 composed of regions A4, A5, and A11, is formed on the preceding vehicle 200 and the oncoming vehicle 300, respectively.

[0108] As explained above, the vehicle headlight 1 of this embodiment includes a light source unit 10 and a control unit CO. The light source unit 10 forms a light distribution pattern that can be changed by the light emitted from the light source group 130. When a detection signal of another vehicle is input from the detection unit 29 that detects other vehicles present in front of the vehicle 100, the control unit CO emits light with a lower intensity than when no detection signal is input to each of the first light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light to the first region AR1, which includes the area overlapping with the visual confirmation section of other vehicles. Furthermore, for the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emit light to the second region AR2 surrounding the first region AR1, the second light source that emits light to the lower region BA1, which is lower than the first region, emits light with a lower intensity the closer the second light source is to the first region AR1.

[0109] According to the vehicle headlight 1, since the intensity of the light emitted from the first light source is lower than when no detection signal for other vehicles is input, the first region AR1, which includes the area overlapping with the visual confirmation section of other vehicles, is darker than when no detection signal is input. Therefore, it is possible to suppress glare to other vehicles during ADB control. Thus, in this embodiment, the first region AR1 functions as a glare suppression region to suppress glare to other vehicles.

[0110] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlight 1, the control unit CO causes a second light source that emits light into the lower region BA1 of the second region AR2, which is located below the first region AR1, to emit light such that the intensity of the second light source decreases as it approaches the first region AR1. Therefore, in this vehicle headlight 1, a gradual decrease in light intensity is formed in the lower region BA1, located below the first region AR1, as it approaches the first region AR1. Thus, the lower region of the second region AR2 darkens as it moves towards the first region AR1. Therefore, even if, for example, the vehicle 100 tilts upwards due to bumps, and the lower region of the second region AR2 overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles, this gradual change prevents other vehicles from being suddenly illuminated by bright light. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlight 1, glare to other vehicles during ADB control can be more effectively suppressed.

[0111] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, when the front side of the vehicle 100 is higher than the rear side when the vehicle 100 is tilted, the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the wider the vertical width of the lower region BA1 becomes. Therefore, when the second region AR2 moves upward and overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles, the lower region BA1 with the aforementioned gradient easily overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles. Thus, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare to other vehicles during ADB control. Additionally, when the front side of the vehicle 100 is higher than the rear side when the vehicle 100 is tilted, the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the less it is necessary to widen the vertical width of the lower region BA1.

[0112] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, when a detection signal is input from the detection unit 29, the control unit CO emits light towards the second light source that emits light into the upper region BA2 of the second region AR2, which is located above the first region AR1. The intensity of the second light source decreases as it approaches the first region AR1. Based on this structure, a gradual decrease in light intensity is formed in the second region AR2, which is located above the first region AR1. Thus, the upper region of the second region AR2 darkens as it approaches the first region AR1. Therefore, even if, for example, the vehicle 100 tilts downwards due to bumps, and the upper region of the second region AR2 overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles, this gradual change prevents the visual confirmation areas of other vehicles from being suddenly illuminated by bright light. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare to other vehicles during ADB control. Furthermore, forming an upper region BA2 with such a gradual change is not necessary.

[0113] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, when the vehicle 100 is tilted so that its rear side is higher than its front side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle 100, the wider the vertical width of the upper region BA2 becomes. Thus, when the second region AR2 moves downwards and overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles, the upper region BA2 with the aforementioned gradient is more likely to overlap with the visual confirmation area of ​​other vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress glare to other vehicles during ADB control. Additionally, when the vehicle 100 is tilted so that its rear side is higher than its front side, a greater tilt of the vehicle 100 does not necessarily require a wider vertical width of the upper region BA2.

[0114] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlight 1, when the control unit CO receives a detection signal from the detection unit 29, it causes at least one of the second light sources—one that emits light to the left region BA3 (located to the left of the first region AR1) and the other that emits light to the right region BA4 (located to the right of the first region AR1)—to emit light with decreasing intensity the closer it is to the first region AR1. Based on this structure, in the second region AR2 located to the left of the first region AR1, a gradual decrease in light intensity occurs as it approaches the first region AR1. In this case, the left region BA3 darkens as it moves towards the first region AR1. Similarly, based on this structure, in the second region AR2 located to the right of the first region AR1, a gradual decrease in light intensity occurs as it approaches the first region AR1. In this case, the right region BA4 darkens as it moves towards the first region AR1. Therefore, even if at least one of the left and right sides of the second region AR2 overlaps with the visual recognition area of ​​another vehicle due to changes in the relative position of this vehicle and other vehicles in the left-right direction, the presence of this gradient can suppress the sudden bright illumination of the visual recognition area of ​​other vehicles. Thus, the glare to other vehicles during ADB control can be suppressed more effectively. Furthermore, forming a left region BA3 or a right region BA4 with such a gradient is not necessary.

[0115] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the left-hand area BA3 and the right-hand area BA4 are each smaller in the left-right direction than the vertical width of the lower area BA1. When the left-hand area BA3 and the right-hand area BA4 are smaller in the left-right direction than the lower area BA1, the area in the second area AR2 where the gradient is not formed can be enlarged compared to the case where the left-hand area BA3 and the right-hand area BA4 are larger in the left-right direction than the lower area BA1. Since the area where the gradient is not formed is located on the side opposite to the first area AR1 of each of the left-hand area BA3 and the right-hand area BA4, it is approximately brighter than the left-hand area BA3 and the right-hand area BA4. Therefore, by enlarging the area in the second area AR2 where the gradient is not formed, the front of the vehicle 100 can be brightened, and visual confirmation during ADB control can be improved.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described where the left-right width of the left region BA3 and the right-right width BA4 are each smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1. However, it is also possible to make only one of the left-right width of the left region BA3 and the right-right width of the right region BA4 smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1. In this case, compared to the case where both the left-right width of the left region BA3 and the right-right width of the right region BA4 are greater than or equal to the vertical width of the lower region BA1, the area in the second region that does not form a gradient can be enlarged, and visual confirmation during ADB control can be improved. However, it is not necessary for at least one of the left-right width of the left region BA3 and the right-right width of the right region BA4 to be smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1.

[0117] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 1, the vertical width of the upper region BA2 is smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1. This improves visual visibility from above.

[0118] The present invention has been described above using the above embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0119] For example, in the above embodiments, an example of not supplying power to the first light source was described. However, as long as the first light source emits light with a lower intensity than the second light source, and the intensity of the light in the first region AR1 does not cause glare to other vehicles, power can also be supplied to the first light source.

[0120] Furthermore, as long as the control unit CO emits light with a lower intensity than the second light source to the first light source, and the second light source that emits light toward the first boundary region of the second region emits light with a lower intensity the closer it is to the side of the boundary with the first region, the changeable light distribution pattern formed by each light emitted from the light source unit 10 is not limited to the light distribution pattern described in the above embodiment.

[0121] Additionally, the control unit CO, for example, in Figure 9In the light distribution pattern P4 shown, the ratio of the width WF3 of the left-side region BA3 in the left-right direction to the width WF1 of the first region AR1 when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300 is greater than the ratio of the width WL3 of the left-side region BA3 in the left-right direction to the width WL1 of the first region AR1 when the other vehicle is a forward vehicle 200. Here, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the number of first light sources emitting light into the first region AR1 and arranged in the left-right direction is set to A1, and the number of second light sources in the left-side region BA3 whose power supply increases as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction is set to B1. Furthermore, when the other vehicle is a forward vehicle 200, the number of first light sources emitting light into the first region AR1 and arranged in the left-right direction is set to C1, and the number of second light sources in the left-side region BA3 whose power supply increases as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction is set to D1. To ensure that the ratio of width WF3 to width WF1 is greater than the ratio of width WL3 to width WL1, the power supply circuit 30 only needs to adjust the power supplied to the light source group 130 in such a way that the ratio of number B1 to number A1 is greater than the ratio of number D1 to number C1. Alternatively or in conjunction with this structure, the control unit CO can also ensure that the ratio of the width WL4 of the right-side region BA4 in the left-right direction to the width WF1 of the first region AR1 in the left-right direction when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300 is greater than the ratio of the width WL4 of the right-side region BA4 in the left-right direction to the width WL1 of the first region AR1 in the left-right direction when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle 200. Here, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the number of first light sources emitting light into the first region AR1 and arranged in the left-right direction is set to number A2, and the number of second light sources in the right-side region BA4 whose power supply increases as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction is set to number B2. Furthermore, when the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 200, the number of first light sources emitting light into the first region AR1 and arranged in the left-right direction is set as C2, and the number of second light sources in the right region BA4, whose power supply increases as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction, is set as D2. To make the ratio of width WF4 to width WF1 greater than the ratio of width WL4 to width WL1, the power supply circuit 30 only needs to adjust the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the ratio of B2 to A2 is greater than the ratio of D2 to C2. The oncoming vehicle suddenly approaches the preceding vehicle. Therefore, the relative position of this vehicle and the oncoming vehicle in the left-right direction is more likely to shift to the left and right compared to the relative position of this vehicle and the preceding vehicle in the left-right direction.Based on this structure, compared to cases where the width ratio is set to less than the ratio of the left area BA3 or right area BA4 to the first area AR1 when the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle 200, the width of the left area BA3 or right area BA4 in the left-right direction relative to the oncoming vehicle 300 can be increased. Therefore, even if the oncoming vehicle 300 rapidly approaches the vehicle and the left or right area of ​​the second area AR2 coincides with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300, the presence of the gradually changing left area BA3 or right area BA4 can suppress the sudden bright illumination of the visual confirmation area of ​​the approaching oncoming vehicle 300. Therefore, the glare from the oncoming vehicle 300 during ADB control can be effectively suppressed.

[0122] Furthermore, when another vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the left-right width of the third region, which is the region furthest from the vehicle 100, can be greater than the left-right width of the fourth region, which is the region closest to the vehicle 100. In this case, the power supply circuit 30 only needs to adjust the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the left-right width of the third region is greater than the left-right width of the fourth region. Specifically, the power supply circuit 30 only needs to adjust the power supplied to the light source group 130 such that the number of second light sources in the third region that receive increased power as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction is greater than the number of second light sources in the fourth region that receive increased power as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction. In addition, for example, in countries or regions where regulations stipulate left-hand traffic, the side furthest from the vehicle 100 is the right side of the oncoming vehicle 300, and the side closest to the vehicle 100 is the left side of the oncoming vehicle 300. Therefore, in countries or regions where driving on the left is permitted, for example in Figure 8In the light distribution pattern P3 shown, the right region BA4 is the third region AR3, and the left region BA3 is the fourth region AR4. Therefore, for example, in countries or regions where traffic travels on the left, when other vehicles are oncoming vehicles 300, the lateral width WF4 of the right region BA4 can be greater than the lateral width WF3 of the left region BA3. When the oncoming vehicle 300 approaches, the area in the light distribution pattern that coincides with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300 expands rapidly away from the vehicle 100 compared to the side closest to the vehicle 100. That is, in countries or regions where traffic travels on the left, when other vehicles are oncoming vehicles 300, the third region AR3 in the second region AR2 is more likely to coincide with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300 than the fourth region AR4 in the second region AR2. Therefore, as described above, the lateral width WF4 of the right region BA4 is made greater than the lateral width WF3 of the left region BA3. According to this structure, even when an oncoming vehicle 300 approaches and the area in the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300 rapidly expands to the right and the second area AR2 overlaps with the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300, the presence of the right-side area BA4 with its gradual transition can suppress the sudden bright illumination of the visual confirmation area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300. Therefore, the glare from the oncoming vehicle 300 during ADB control can be suppressed more effectively.

[0123] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle headlight capable of suppressing glare to other vehicles during ADB control is provided, which can be used in automobiles and other fields.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlight, characterized in that, have: The light source section forms a light distribution pattern that can be changed by the light emitted from the light source group; Control Department When the control unit receives a detection signal from a detection unit that detects other vehicles present in front of the vehicle, it causes each first light source in the light source group that emits light into a first region including the area overlapping with the visual confirmation unit used by the driver of the other vehicle to visually confirm the other vehicle outside the vehicle to emit light with a lower intensity than when the detection signal is not input. Furthermore, it causes the second light source in the light source group that emits light into a second region surrounding the first region to emit light into a lower region below the first region, such that the intensity of the second light source emitting light closer to the first region is lower. When the vehicle is tilted such that the front side of the vehicle is higher than the rear side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle, the more the number of second light sources in the vertical direction that emit light with lower intensity closer to the first region increases, and the wider the vertical width of the lower region where the light intensity is weaker closer to the first region increases.

2. The vehicle headlight as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit causes the second light source that emits light to the upper region above the first region to emit light as follows: the intensity of the second light source that emits light closer to the first region is lower.

3. The vehicle headlight as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the vehicle is tilted such that the rear side of the vehicle is higher than the front side, the greater the tilt of the vehicle, the wider the vertical width of the upper region becomes.

4. The vehicle headlight as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit causes at least one of the second light source that emits light to the left region, which is to the left of the first region, and the second light source that emits light to the right region, which is to the right of the first region, to emit light with the following intensity: the intensity of the second light source that emits light closer to the first region is lower.

5. The vehicle headlight as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the left-right region and the width of the right-right region in the left-right direction are both smaller than the width of the lower-right region in the vertical direction.

6. The vehicle headlight as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the width in the left-right direction of the third region in the left and right regions, which is the region away from the side of the vehicle, is greater than the width in the left-right direction of the fourth region in the left and right regions, which is the region close to the side of the vehicle.

Images