Vehicle headlamp device

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle headlamp device which can improve the seeing omission of a pedestrian by a driver. This vehicle headlamp device (1) is provided with: a low-beam lamp (5) and a high-beam lamp (6) that irradiate light to a first light distribution region (A1) in front of a vehicle; and a pattern light irradiation unit (PP) that irradiates light to a second light distribution region (A2), which is further to the outside in the vehicle width direction than the first light distribution region (A1), in an irradiation pattern in which bright regions (a1) and dark regions (a2) are alternately repeated. The pattern light irradiation unit (PP) irradiates light such that the interval between adjacent bright regions (a1) is wider on the depth side in the direction of travel of the vehicle than on the front side. In one embodiment, the pattern light irradiation unit (PP) irradiates light such that the irradiation pattern moves in the traveling direction of the vehicle (2) while maintaining the distance between adjacent bright regions (a1) on the depth side in the traveling direction of the vehicle (2) wider than on the front side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a headlamp device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As a vehicle headlamp device, a technology has been proposed that improves the visual confirmation of pedestrians by the driver by irradiating light from a light source in an irradiation pattern in which bright areas and dark areas are alternately repeated (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In the vehicle headlamp device of Patent Document 1, irradiation of light in a first irradiation pattern in which bright areas and dark areas are alternately repeated and irradiation of light in a second irradiation pattern in which the entire area is a bright area are performed simultaneously, so that the driver can instantly recognize the presence of pedestrians in the distance.

[0003] [Prior Technical Literature]

[0004] (Patent Document)

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-143872 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, demands for improvement of the visual confirmation of objects by drivers have been increasing in recent years, and further improvement of technology is desired.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp device which can improve the driver's failure to see an object.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] (1) A vehicle headlamp device (e.g., a vehicle headlamp device 1 described below) comprising: a low beam lamp (e.g., a low beam lamp 5 described below) and a high beam lamp (e.g., a high beam lamp 6 described below) for irradiating light to a first light distribution area (e.g., a first light distribution area A1 described below) in front of a vehicle; and a pattern light irradiation unit (e.g., a pattern light irradiation unit PP described below) for irradiating light to a second light distribution area (e.g., a second light distribution area A2 described below) that is further outward in a vehicle width direction than the first light distribution area in an irradiation pattern of alternating and repeating bright areas (e.g., bright areas a1 described below) and dark areas (e.g., dark areas a2 described below); the pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light in a manner such that the interval between adjacent bright areas is wider on the depth side in the direction of travel of the vehicle than on the front side.

[0011] (2) A vehicle headlamp device according to (1), wherein the pattern light irradiation portion irradiates light in a manner that moves the irradiation pattern along the direction of travel of the vehicle while maintaining the interval between adjacent bright areas wider on the depth side in the direction of travel of the vehicle than on the front side.

[0012] (3) A vehicle headlamp device according to (1), wherein the pattern light irradiation portion irradiates light in a grid-like irradiation pattern formed by a plurality of first stripes in the bright area along a first direction and a plurality of second stripes in the bright area along a second direction intersecting the first direction, in such a manner that the interval between the first stripes and the second stripes is wider on the depth side in the direction of travel of the vehicle than on the front side.

[0013] (4) The vehicle headlamp device according to (1), wherein the pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light so that the width of the bright region is smaller on the rear side than on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0014] (5) The vehicle headlamp device according to (1), wherein the light irradiated by the pattern light irradiation unit has a light intensity in the bright region that is higher in intensity at a rear side in the vehicle's traveling direction than at a front side.

[0015] (Effects of the Invention)

[0016] In the vehicle headlamp device of (1), the pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light in a manner that the interval between adjacent bright areas in the irradiation pattern of alternating bright areas and dark areas is wider on the deep side of the vehicle's traveling direction than on the near side. Thus, the deep side of the vehicle's traveling direction can be irradiated with the irradiation pattern in which the interval between the bright areas is not compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians can be clearly identified.

[0017] In the vehicle headlamp device of (2), the pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light in a manner that moves the irradiation pattern along the vehicle's traveling direction while maintaining a state in which the interval between adjacent bright areas is wider on the vehicle's traveling direction depth side than on the vehicle's front side. Thus, the vehicle's traveling direction depth side can be irradiated in a manner that moves the irradiation pattern in a state in which the interval between bright areas is not compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians on the vehicle's traveling direction depth side can be perceived to occasionally emerge and can be clearly recognized.

[0018] In the vehicle headlamp device of (3), the pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light in a grid-shaped irradiation pattern formed by a plurality of first stripes in a bright area along a first direction and a plurality of second stripes along a second direction intersecting the first direction, in such a manner that the intervals between the first stripes and the second stripes are wider on the deep side in the direction of travel of the vehicle than on the near side. Thus, the deep side in the direction of travel of the vehicle can be irradiated in such a manner that the irradiation pattern in a state where the intervals between the bright areas are not compressed moves. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians on the deep side in the direction of travel of the vehicle are perceived to emerge from time to time and can be clearly recognized.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp device of (4), the pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light in such a manner that the width of the bright area is thinner on the rear side of the vehicle in the traveling direction than on the front side. Thus, the rear side of the vehicle in the traveling direction is irradiated with an irradiation pattern in which the width of the bright area is thinned and the contours of the intervals are kept non-overlapping and non-contracted. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians can be clearly identified.

[0020] In the vehicle headlamp device of (5), the light of the bright area of ​​the pattern light irradiation unit is stronger at the depth side of the vehicle in the traveling direction than at the front side. Thus, pedestrians and other objects at the depth side of the vehicle in the traveling direction can be illuminated with an irradiation pattern that reduces the effect of distance on the attenuation of light intensity. Therefore, pedestrians and other objects can be clearly identified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle headlamp device as one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A conceptual structural diagram of a control system for each lamp in a vehicle headlamp device.

[0023] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an illumination area of ​​each lamp in a vehicle headlamp device.

[0024] Figure 4 It is depicted and Figure 2 A conceptual diagram of the structure of the system related to the pattern irradiation lamp.

[0025] Figure 5 Is the picture being taken from Figure 2 The pattern illumination light is a diagram of a driving field of vision illuminated by the illumination light in a certain manner.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the definitions of the concepts of “proximity” and “depth” in this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 It is depicted and Figure 2 Characteristic diagram of the control method of the control system related to the pattern irradiation lamp.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically illustrating human visual characteristics related to the technical concept of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an irradiation pattern distribution area refers to an irradiation area of ​​a certain light, and an irradiation pattern refers to a irradiation method of light with respect to the irradiation pattern distribution area.

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle headlamp device and a detection means as one embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle headlamp device 1 is arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle 2 in a manner that is symmetrical when viewed from the center position in the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle headlamp device 1, a turn signal lamp 3, a pattern lamp 4, a low beam lamp 5, and a high beam lamp 6 are arranged in order from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the pattern lamp 4 is a general term for the left pattern lamp 41 and the right pattern lamp 42.

[0031] The turn signal lamp 3 is a conventional lamp of this type. The pattern irradiation lamp 4, which is a component of the pattern light irradiation unit PP, irradiates a pattern with a bright area a1 and a dark area a2 alternately and repeatedly (see Figure 5 ), irradiates light to the second light distribution area A2 described later in the vehicle 2. The low beam 5 irradiates light to the low beam light distribution area AL. The high beam 6 irradiates light to the high beam light distribution area AH. In addition, the vehicle 2 equipped with the vehicle headlamp device 1 is appropriately referred to as the vehicle 2 below. In the above, the second light distribution area A2 in the right front of the driving lane of the vehicle 2 is the right second light distribution area A22. In addition, the second light distribution area A2 on the left side in the left front of the driving lane of the vehicle 2 is the left second light distribution area A21.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a conceptual block diagram of a control system for each lamp in a vehicle headlamp device 1 . Figure 31 is a diagram showing the illumination area of ​​each lamp in the vehicle headlamp device 1. The high beam lamp 6, the low beam lamp 5, the left pattern lamp 41, and the right pattern lamp 42 are operated under the control of the lamp control electronic control unit (ECU) 40. The lamp control ECU 40 switches the operation mode of the high beam lamp 6, the low beam lamp 5, the left pattern lamp 41, and the right pattern lamp 42 based on the output from the upper ECU 100 mounted on the vehicle 2.

[0033] The high beam lamp 6 includes a light emitting element as a light source, a reflector, a visor that defines an irradiation area, and a lens. The light emitting element is illuminated by supplying power from a power source (not shown) according to a control signal from the lamp control ECU 40. The light from the light emitting element is reflected by the reflector. The reflected light from the reflector is irradiated from the lens toward the high beam distribution area AH defined by the visor.

[0034] The low beam lamp 5 includes a light emitting element as a light source, a reflector, a visor that defines an irradiation area, and a lens. The light emitting element is illuminated by supplying power from a power source (not shown) according to a control signal from the lamp control ECU 40. The light from the light emitting element is reflected by the reflector. The reflected light from the reflector is irradiated from the lens toward the low beam distribution area AL defined by the visor.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 , for Figure 1 The illumination areas of the high beam lamp 6, the low beam lamp 5 and the pattern illumination lamp 4 when the vehicle headlamp device 1 in the embodiment irradiates light to the test screen will be described. Here, the illumination area of ​​the pattern illumination lamp 4 is shown as the illumination area of ​​the right pattern illumination lamp 42.

[0036] The irradiation area of ​​the left pattern irradiation lamp 41 is symmetrical with the irradiation area of ​​the right pattern irradiation lamp 42 with the VV line as the object axis, and is omitted from the illustration.

[0037] The structure and function of the left pattern irradiation lamp 41 are similar to those of the right pattern irradiation lamp 42. Therefore, hereinafter, regarding the structure and function of the left pattern irradiation lamp 41, the description of the right pattern irradiation lamp 42 is cited.

[0038] The low beam distribution area AL of the low beam lamp 5 has a cutoff line on the opposite lane side extending parallel to the HH line (horizontal line) on the right side of the test screen than the VV line (plumb line) in the center of the left-right direction. In addition, on the left side of the VV line, there is a cutoff line on the own lane side extending along the HH line at a higher position than the cutoff line on the opposite lane side. The cutoff line on the opposite lane side and the cutoff line on the own lane side are connected by an oblique cutoff line inclined relative to the HH line. The low beam distribution area AL is the lower irradiation area on the lower front side of the vehicle 2.

[0039] The high-beam distribution area AH of the high-beam lamp 6 is a rectangle having a long side parallel to the HH line and a short side parallel to the VV line, and the intersection of its diagonal lines occupies a position roughly consistent with the intersection of the HH line and the VV line. The high-beam distribution area AH overlaps with the low-beam distribution area AL in a local area below, including the portion of the cut-off line on the opposite lane side and the cut-off line on the own lane side starting from the VV line. The high-beam distribution area AH is an upper irradiation area that is higher than the lower irradiation area, that is, the low-beam distribution area AL, and is closer to the center side of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 2. The low-beam distribution area AL and the high-beam distribution area AH are collectively referred to as the first distribution area A1.

[0040] In the illumination area of ​​the right pattern illumination lamp 42, i.e., the right second light distribution area A22, various changes are made to the illumination pattern such as the contour shape of the area or the form of the illumination pattern in the area by means of the mode switching signal from the lamp control ECU 40. The left second light distribution area A21 is symmetrical with respect to the right second light distribution area A22 with the VV line as the object axis, and is omitted from the illustration. The left second light distribution area A21 and the right second light distribution area A22 are collectively referred to as the second light distribution area A2.

[0041] In terms of the capability of the right pattern irradiation lamp 42, the right second light distribution area A22 can be in a wide manner including an overlap area A24 overlapping with the high beam light distribution area AH. In this case, the right second light distribution area A22 is in a horizontal trapezoidal shape with the height direction parallel to the HH line and the upper and lower bases parallel to the VV line. In this trapezoidal shape, the lower base relatively far from the VV line is longer than the upper base relatively close to the VV line. That is, the right second light distribution area A22 is in a shape in which the size along the VV line expands as it approaches the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 2.

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the pattern irradiation lamp 4 (the left pattern irradiation lamp 41 and the right pattern irradiation lamp 42) will be further described. Figure 4 It is depicted and Figure 2The conceptual structural diagram of the system related to the pattern irradiation lamp 4. The system adopts a common structure for the left pattern irradiation lamp 41 and the right pattern irradiation lamp 42, which is referred to as the pattern irradiation lamp system 400 here. Each pattern irradiation lamp system 400 corresponding to the left pattern irradiation lamp 41 and the right pattern irradiation lamp 42, respectively, is a pattern light irradiation unit PP in the vehicle headlamp device 1 disclosed in the present invention. The pattern irradiation lamp system 400 is configured to include a projection pattern generator 401, a change unit 402, a panel drive circuit 403, a light modulation unit 404 and a projection optical system 405. In addition, in practice, heat insulation is achieved by configuring the panel drive circuit 403 and the light modulation unit 404 separately, and the two are connected by a wiring harness. The projection pattern generator 401 generates the following illumination pattern signal Pts, and the illumination pattern signal Pts represents the illumination pattern generated by Figure 2 The changing unit 402 generates an illumination pattern that alternates between bright and dark areas in a manner specified by the pattern selection signal Pss supplied by the lamp control ECU 40. The changing unit 402 generates a flow speed signal Fvs that specifies the flow speed when the illumination pattern flows from the front side to the front side of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal Vss supplied from the lamp control ECU 40.

[0043] The panel drive circuit 403 is started according to the start command signal Scs supplied from the lamp control ECU, and issues the following element drive signal Eds to drive the light modulation unit 404, the element drive signal Eds is used to make the illumination pattern of the bright area and the dark area alternately and repeatedly specified by the illumination pattern signal Pts issued by the projection pattern generator 401 flow at the speed specified by the flow speed signal Fvs. Thus, the light modulation unit 404 irradiates the illumination pattern to the second light distribution area A2 in a manner of flowing along the moving direction of the vehicle 2 via the projection optical system 405. The change unit 402 supplies the flow speed signal Fvs to the panel drive circuit 403 according to the vehicle speed signal Vss indicating the speed of the vehicle 2, so that the speed of the scenery seen from the vehicle 2 flowing is consistent with the speed of making the illumination pattern Pf flow.

[0044] Figure 5 Is the picture being taken from Figure 2 A diagram of a driving field of view illuminated by a pattern irradiation lamp of one mode. A dividing line 12 is drawn on a road 11, and one side of the road 11 is a pedestrian path. It is assumed that a pedestrian 15 is located on the pedestrian path. The area including one of the pedestrian paths viewed as the right side by the driver is the right second light distribution area A22 of the right pattern irradiation lamp 42. In addition, Figure 5 The right second light distribution area A22 is indicated by the symbol of the second light distribution area A2, which is the collective name of the left second light distribution area A21. The right pattern irradiation lamp 42 irradiates the right second light distribution area A22 with the right irradiation light PLR of the irradiation pattern of alternating bright areas a1 and dark areas a2.

[0045] As described above, when the lamp control ECU 40 determines that there is no effect even if the right irradiation light PLR is irradiated based on the information input from the upper ECU 100, the right irradiation light PLR is irradiated. In addition, when the lamp control ECU 40 determines that the left irradiation light PLL should be irradiated, the start command signal Sc1 is issued to irradiate the left irradiation light PLL from the left pattern irradiation lamp 41. Figure 5 The left second light distribution area A21 on the other side of the pedestrian path that cannot be seen is illuminated.

[0046] Here, Figure 6 The definitions of the concepts of "near" and "depth" in this disclosure are shown in FIG. The lane where the vehicle 2 is traveling on the road 11 is marked with dividing lines 13 and 14. Figure 6 In the diagram, the position of the dotted line drawn in a manner that crosses the road 11 in front of the host vehicle 2 is indicated as "near", and the position relatively close to the front of the host vehicle 2 is "near". Just as in the diagram, the position of the dotted line drawn in a manner that crosses the road 11 in front of the host vehicle 2 is indicated as "depth", and the position relatively far from the front of the host vehicle 2 in front is "depth".

[0047] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the pattern light irradiation unit PP irradiates light with an irradiation pattern Pf in which the intervals between parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 are wider on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the near front side. Hereinafter, the pattern light irradiation in this state by the pattern light irradiation unit PP is appropriately referred to as the pattern light irradiation of the first mode. With regard to the distant view, the driver will perceive a relatively reduced distant view. Therefore, in the case where the intervals between the parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 are the same regardless of the distance to the vehicle, the intervals between the parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 appear narrow. However, according to the pattern light irradiation of the first mode, the intervals between the parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 in the irradiation pattern Pf are wider on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the near front side. Therefore, from the perspective of the driver, the degree of narrowness of the intervals between the bright areas a1 corresponding to the distance to the vehicle appears small. Therefore, even on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle, it is recognized that the outlines of the parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 in the irradiation pattern Pf are not overlapped but are tightened. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 can be clearly recognized.

[0048] In addition, in other aspects of patterned light irradiation by the patterned light irradiation unit PP, light is irradiated in a manner that the irradiation pattern Pf moves along the traveling direction of the vehicle while maintaining a state in which the interval between adjacent bright areas a1 is wider on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the front side. Hereinafter, the patterned light irradiation in this aspect by the patterned light irradiation unit PP is appropriately referred to as patterned light irradiation of the second mode. When the patterned light irradiation of the second mode is performed, similarly, even on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle, it is recognized that the outlines of the parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 in the irradiation pattern Pf are not overlapped but are compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians can be clearly identified. In addition, according to the patterned light irradiation of the second mode, the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 can be irradiated in a manner that the irradiation pattern in a state in which the interval between the bright areas a1 is not compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 are perceived to emerge from time to time, and can be clearly identified.

[0049] In addition, in other aspects of patterned light irradiation by the patterned light irradiation unit PP, a lattice-shaped irradiation pattern formed by a plurality of first stripes along a first direction of a bright area a1 and a plurality of second stripes along a second direction intersecting the first direction is used, and light is irradiated in a manner in which the intervals between the first stripes and the second stripes are wider on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the front side. Hereinafter, the patterned light irradiation in this aspect by the patterned light irradiation unit PP is appropriately referred to as patterned light irradiation of the third mode. In the case of patterned light irradiation of the third mode, as in the case of patterned light irradiation of the second mode, even on the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle, it is recognized that the outlines of the parallel and adjacent bright areas a1 in the irradiation pattern Pf are not overlapped and compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians can be clearly identified. In addition, according to the patterned light irradiation of the second mode, the depth side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 can be irradiated in a manner in which the irradiation pattern in which the intervals between the bright areas a1 are not compressed is moved. Therefore, objects such as the pedestrian 15 on the deeper side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 appear from time to time and can be clearly recognized.

[0050] In addition, in other aspects of pattern light irradiation by the pattern light irradiation unit PP, light is irradiated in such a manner that the width of the stripes of the bright area a1 is thinner on the deep side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the near side. Hereinafter, the pattern light irradiation in this aspect by the pattern light irradiation unit PP is appropriately referred to as pattern light irradiation of the fourth mode. When the pattern light irradiation of the fourth mode is performed, the width of the stripes of the bright area a1 is thinned, and the contours of the intervals between each other are kept in a non-overlapping and non-contracted state, and the deep side of the traveling direction of the vehicle is irradiated. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 can be clearly identified.

[0051] In addition, in other aspects of patterned light irradiation by the patterned light irradiation unit PP, the light of the bright area a1 is stronger on the deep side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the near side. Hereinafter, the patterned light irradiation in this aspect by the patterned light irradiation unit PP is appropriately referred to as patterned light irradiation of the fifth mode. When the patterned light irradiation of the fifth mode is performed, objects such as pedestrians 15 on the deep side of the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 can be irradiated with an irradiation pattern that reduces the effect of distance on the attenuation of light intensity. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 can be clearly identified.

[0052] The patterned light irradiation of the first mode described above is a concept that includes any of the patterned light irradiations of the second mode to the fifth mode. In addition, the patterned light irradiations of the fourth mode and the fifth mode may be performed together with the patterned light irradiations of any other mode.

[0053] Figure 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the pattern light irradiation of the fourth mode and the fifth mode. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the solid line is the characteristic of the pattern light irradiation in the fourth mode, and the dotted line is the characteristic of the pattern light irradiation in the fifth mode.

[0054] The pattern light irradiation of the first mode to the fifth mode mentioned above by the pattern light irradiation unit PP is performed by Figure 4 The pattern light irradiation system 400 is realized by selecting the action mode of the pattern light irradiation system 400. As described above, the pattern light irradiation of the first mode is a superordinate concept including any of the pattern light irradiations of the second mode to the fifth mode. Therefore, specifically, the pattern light irradiation system 400 operates in the action mode corresponding to the pattern light irradiation of the second mode to the fifth mode. Next, the action of the pattern light irradiation system 400 during the pattern light irradiation of the second mode to the fifth mode is described.

[0055] During the pattern light irradiation of the second mode, the projection pattern generator 401 forms the following irradiation pattern signal Pts according to the pattern selection signal Pss from the lamp control ECU 40, and supplies it to the panel drive circuit 403. The irradiation pattern signal Pts generates the irradiation pattern in a manner that the bright area a1 and the dark area a2 are alternately repeated and the interval between adjacent bright areas a1 is wider on the deep side of the vehicle's traveling direction than on the near side. On the other hand, according to the vehicle speed signal Vss from the lamp control ECU 40, the change unit 402 forms the following flow speed signal Fvs, and supplies it to the panel drive circuit 403. The flow speed signal Fvs is used to obtain a suitable moving speed of the irradiation pattern according to the vehicle speed. The panel drive circuit 403 forms the following element drive signal Eds, and supplies it to the light modulation unit 404. The element drive signal Eds obtains the irradiation pattern and moving speed specified by the irradiation pattern signal Pts and the flow speed signal Fvs. Thus, the projection optical system 405 emits the irradiation light having the irradiation pattern and the movement pattern corresponding to the irradiation pattern light of the second mode formed by the light modulation unit 404 .

[0056] The operation of the pattern irradiation lamp system 400 during the pattern light irradiation of the third mode is also substantially the same as that during the pattern light irradiation of the second mode described above. In the pattern light irradiation of the third mode, the projection pattern generator 401 generates the following irradiation pattern signal Pts and supplies it to the panel driving circuit 403. The irradiation pattern signal Pts generates the irradiation pattern in a grid-shaped irradiation pattern formed by a plurality of first stripes along a first direction of the bright area a1 and a plurality of second stripes along a second direction intersecting the first direction of the bright area a1, and the interval between the first stripes and the second stripes is wider on the deep side of the vehicle's traveling direction than on the near side.

[0057] The operation of the pattern irradiation lamp system 400 during the pattern light irradiation of the fourth mode is also substantially the same as that during the pattern light irradiation of the second mode described above. In the pattern light irradiation of the fourth mode, the projection pattern generator 401 generates the following irradiation pattern signal Pts, and supplies it to the panel driving circuit 403. The irradiation pattern signal Pts generates the irradiation pattern in such a way that the width of the bright area is thinner on the deep side of the vehicle's traveling direction than on the near side.

[0058] The operation of the pattern light system 400 during the pattern light irradiation of the fifth mode is also substantially the same as that during the pattern light irradiation of the second mode described above. In the pattern light irradiation of the fifth mode, the projection pattern generator 401, the panel drive circuit 403, the light modulation unit 404 and the projection optical system 405 are used to irradiate light that tends to increase in light intensity per unit irradiation area as it becomes more and more concentrated as it moves farther away, like a beam focusing.

[0059] Here, Figure 8 Schematically illustrates the visual characteristics of a person at the bottom of the technical concept of the vehicle headlamp device 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 8 According to human visual characteristics, the front visual field 7 of person H is divided into a central visual field 8 extending from the front to the left and right at a certain acute angle, and a left peripheral visual field 9 and a right peripheral visual field 10 adjacent to the left and right of the central visual field 8.

[0060] In the general visual characteristics of a person, the central visual field 8 shows a tendency that the shape can be clearly seen, but the reaction to movement is slow. The left peripheral visual field 9 and the right peripheral visual field 10 show a tendency that the shape can be vaguely seen, but the reaction to movement is fast, that is, the sensitivity to movement is high. The vehicle headlamp device 1 disclosed in the present invention is based on the idea of ​​actively utilizing the above-mentioned human visual characteristics. In the vehicle headlamp device 1 disclosed in the present invention, since the illumination pattern of the bright area a1 and the dark area a2 is projected alternately and repeatedly to the left peripheral visual field 9 and the right peripheral visual field 10, the driver can clearly recognize the moving objects such as the pedestrians 15 on the roadside, and the possibility of missing them can be reduced more effectively.

[0061] According to the vehicle headlamp device 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0062] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 of (1), there are provided: a low beam lamp 5 and a high beam lamp 6, which irradiate light to a first light distribution area A1 in front of the vehicle; and a pattern light irradiation unit PP, which irradiates light to a second light distribution area A2 which is further outward in the vehicle width direction than the first light distribution area A1 in an irradiation pattern of alternating bright areas a1 and dark areas a2; the pattern light irradiation unit PP irradiates light in a manner that the interval between adjacent bright areas a1 is wider on the deep side in the direction of travel of the vehicle than on the near side. Thus, the deep side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 2 can be irradiated with an irradiation pattern in which the interval between the bright areas a1 is not compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 can be clearly identified.

[0063] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 of (2), the pattern light irradiation section PP irradiates light in a manner that moves the irradiation pattern along the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 while maintaining the interval between adjacent bright areas a1 wider on the deep side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the near side. Thus, the deep side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 can be irradiated in a manner that moves the irradiation pattern in a state where the interval between the bright areas a1 is not compressed. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 on the deep side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 are perceived to occasionally emerge and can be clearly recognized.

[0064] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 of (3), the changing unit 402 makes the speed at which the scenery seen from the vehicle 2 flows coincide with the speed at which the illumination pattern Pf flows, according to the speed of the vehicle 2. Thus, since the speed at which the scenery seen from the vehicle 2 flows coincides with the speed at which the illumination pattern Pf flows, the flow of the scenery seen from the vehicle 2 is synchronized with the flow of the illumination pattern, and the driver of the vehicle 2 can more easily recognize the presence of the pedestrian 15.

[0065] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 of (4), the pattern light irradiation unit PP irradiates light in such a manner that the width of the bright area a1 is thinner on the deep side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than on the near side. Thus, the deep side in the traveling direction of the vehicle is irradiated with an irradiation pattern in which the width of the bright area a1 is thinned and the contours of the intervals are kept non-overlapping and non-contracted. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 can be clearly recognized.

[0066] In the vehicle headlamp device 1 of (5), the light irradiated by the pattern light irradiation portion PP has a light intensity of the bright area a1 that is stronger at the depth side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 than at the front side. Thus, objects such as pedestrians 15 at the depth side in the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 can be irradiated with an irradiation pattern that reduces the effect of distance on the attenuation of light intensity. Therefore, objects such as pedestrians 15 can be clearly recognized.

[0067] The above is a description of one aspect of the vehicle headlamp device disclosed herein, and the detailed structure may be appropriately changed within the scope of the present disclosure. Figure 4 In the example, the light modulator 404 is driven according to the illumination pattern signal Pts from the projection pattern generator 401 of the pattern illumination lamp system 400 and the element driving signal Eds from the panel driving circuit 403 to obtain a predetermined illumination pattern, but the structure may adopt other aspects. That is, the pattern illumination lamp system 400 may also be configured as a projector that drives a digital micromirror device (DMD) including a micromirror group according to the illumination pattern signal Pts and the element driving signal Eds to obtain a predetermined illumination pattern and a predetermined illumination light intensity.

[0068] Reference numerals

[0069] A1: The first light distribution area

[0070] A2: Second light distribution area

[0071] A21: Second light distribution area on the left

[0072] A22: Second light distribution area on the right

[0073] A24: Overlapping area

[0074] A26: Specific area

[0075] AL: Low beam distribution area

[0076] AH: High beam distribution area

[0077] a1: bright area

[0078] a2: Dark area

[0079] H: People

[0080] PP: Pattern light irradiation part

[0081] Pf, Ps: Irradiation pattern

[0082] Pss: pattern selection signal

[0083] Pts: Irradiation pattern signal

[0084] Vss: vehicle speed signal

[0085] Scs: Start command signal

[0086] Fvs: flow velocity signal

[0087] Eds: Component drive signal

[0088] 1: Vehicle headlamp device

[0089] 2: Vehicles

[0090] 3: Turn signal lights

[0091] 4: Pattern lighting

[0092] 5: Low beam

[0093] 6: High beam

[0094] 7: Forward Vision

[0095] 8: Central Vision

[0096] 9: Left peripheral vision

[0097] 10: Right peripheral vision

[0098] 11: Road

[0099] 12: The lane your vehicle is traveling in

[0100] 13: Dividing Line

[0101] 14: Dividing Line

[0102] 15: Indiana Pacers

[0103] 40: Lighting control ECU

[0104] 41: Left pattern light

[0105] 42: Right pattern light

[0106] 400: Pattern lighting system

[0107] 401: Projection Pattern Generator

[0108] 402: Change Department

[0109] 403: Panel drive circuit

[0110] 404: Optical modulation unit

[0111] 405: Projection Optical System

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp device, characterized in that: have: The low beam lamp and the high beam lamp irradiate light to a first light distribution area in front of the vehicle; and, a pattern light irradiation unit that irradiates light to a second light distribution area that is further outward in the vehicle width direction than the first light distribution area with a light pattern that alternates and repeats between bright areas and dark areas; The pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light so that the interval between the adjacent bright areas is wider on the rear side than on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: The pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light so as to move the irradiation pattern along the traveling direction of the vehicle while maintaining a state in which the interval between the adjacent bright areas is wider at the rear side than at the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: The pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light in a grid-shaped irradiation pattern formed by a plurality of first stripes along a first direction of the bright area and a plurality of second stripes along a second direction intersecting the first direction, in a manner such that the intervals between the first stripes and the second stripes are wider on the depth side of the vehicle's traveling direction than on the front side.

4. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: The pattern light irradiation unit irradiates light so that the width of the bright region becomes smaller on the rear side than on the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein: The light irradiated by the pattern light irradiation unit has a light intensity in the bright region that is higher on the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle than on the front side.

Images