Vehicle headlamp device

Abstract

A vehicle headlamp device is provided with a first high-beam unit capable of forming a first high-beam light distribution pattern and drawing a road surface within a first irradiation range (34), and a second high-beam unit capable of forming a second high-beam light distribution pattern within a second irradiation range (36). The first irradiation range (34) is shifted downward with respect to the second irradiation range (36) so as to include an overlapping region (38) in which the first irradiation range (34) and the second irradiation range (36) overlap, and a lower region (40) which is shifted from the second irradiation range (36) below the overlapping region (38), and the first high beam unit forms a road surface drawing pattern (46) in the lower region (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle headlight device, for example, that can be mounted on a car or other vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, headlights equipped with light sources such as matrix LEDs or liquid crystal devices, DMD (Digital Mirror Device) devices, etc., capable of forming various desired light patterns are known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Using this light source, the headlight can perform ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control and road surface depiction. The ADB control dynamically and adaptively controls the high beam light distribution pattern based on the state around the vehicle, and the road surface depiction displays graphics, text, symbols, or other depicted patterns on the road surface around the vehicle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-131922 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The inventors studied the aforementioned headlight and recognized the following technical problems. In this headlight, under normal conditions including ADB control, the optical axis of the headlight is oriented approximately parallel to the horizontal plane to enable high beam illumination to reach distant areas. However, when performing road marking, in order to illuminate the road surface with the desired pattern, a leveling device within the headlight is activated, causing the optical axis of the headlight to be oriented downwards compared to normal. Thus, leveling control is used to switch between high beam illumination and road marking. Therefore, it is practically difficult to perform high beam illumination and road marking simultaneously. To achieve simultaneous execution, for example, a method of adding a dedicated unit for road marking to the headlight is considered, but this may increase the manufacturing cost of the headlight.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of such circumstances, and one of its exemplary objectives is to provide a vehicle headlight device that can simultaneously provide high beam illumination and road surface marking.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlight device comprising a first high beam unit and a second high beam unit. The first high beam unit is capable of forming a first high beam light distribution pattern and road surface depiction within a first illumination range, and the second high beam unit is capable of forming a second high beam light distribution pattern within a second illumination range. The first illumination range is offset downward relative to the second illumination range to include an overlapping area where the first and second illumination ranges coincide, and a lower area offset from the second illumination range below the overlapping area. The first high beam unit forms a road surface depiction pattern in the lower area.

[0011] According to this method, the first illumination range of the first high beam unit overlaps with the second illumination range of the second high beam unit, and extends downwards beyond the second illumination range. The first high beam unit can provide road surface detailing by utilizing the lower region within the first illumination range that deviates downwards from the second illumination range. Furthermore, for high beam illumination, at least the second high beam unit or both high beam units can be used. In this way, a vehicle headlight device that can simultaneously provide high beam illumination and road surface detailing can be provided.

[0012] The first high beam unit may also form at least a portion of the first high beam distribution pattern in the overlapping area of ​​the first illumination range, and the second high beam unit may also form at least a portion of the second high beam distribution pattern in the overlapping area of ​​the second illumination range. Accordingly, the first and second high beam distribution patterns can be overlaid onto the overlapping areas of the first and second illumination ranges, providing higher luminous intensity high beam illumination. The required luminous intensity standard for high beams can be easily met.

[0013] The first high beam unit can also be configured to have a downward angular offset relative to the second high beam unit, so that the first illumination range is shifted downward relative to the second illumination range, and the downward angular offset remains unchanged regardless of whether the first high beam unit is performing road surface marking. Accordingly, based on the relative angular position of the first high beam unit relative to the second high beam unit, the first high beam unit can set a lower area for road surface marking within the first illumination range. Because of the fixed angular relationship between the two high beam units, there is no need for leveling operations to switch between high beam illumination and road surface marking, as is the case in existing technologies. Therefore, the vehicle headlight device can easily perform high beam illumination and road surface marking simultaneously.

[0014] The downward angular offset can also be at least 1.00 degrees. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a practically appropriate vertical height for road surface depiction in the area below the first illumination range.

[0015] The downward angle offset can also be up to 3.00 degrees. This allows for a sufficiently wide vertical height in the lower area used for road surface depiction within the first illumination range. Furthermore, this angle offset helps prevent the vertical height of the repeating area used for high beam illumination from becoming excessively narrow.

[0016] The first high beam unit can also have an angle offset adjuster that sets the downward angle offset.

[0017] The angular offset of the first high beam unit relative to the horizontal line can also be in the range of -2.50 degrees to -4.50 degrees. The angular offset of the second high beam unit relative to the horizontal line can also be in the range of +2.00 degrees to -2.00 degrees.

[0018] The second irradiation range may also be included in the area above the repeating area, which is offset from the first irradiation range.

[0019] The vehicle headlight system may also include a driver's side headlight located on the driver's side and a passenger side headlight located on the passenger side. A first high beam unit may also be mounted on the driver's side headlight, and a second high beam unit may also be mounted on the passenger side headlight. In this way, the first high beam unit can easily illuminate the road surface at a location easily visible to the driver.

[0020] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, as well as the substitution of the constituent elements of the present invention among methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs, storage media, etc., are also effective as embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlight device that can simultaneously provide high beam illumination and road surface marking is available. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the vehicle lights of the embodiment are installed on the vehicle.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary illumination direction of a vehicle lamp as a comparative example. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary illumination range of a vehicle lamp for the comparative example.

[0026] Figure 4 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary illumination direction of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. Figure 4 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary illumination range of the vehicle lamps of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an action that can be performed in a vehicle lamp according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting, and not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments constitute the essential content of the invention. Identical or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the scales and shapes of the parts shown in the various drawings are conveniently set for ease of explanation and are not interpreted as limiting unless specifically mentioned. Additionally, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this specification or claims do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from others. Furthermore, in the various drawings, some less important components are omitted from the illustration based on the description of the embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the vehicle lights of the embodiment are installed on the vehicle. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a vehicle lighting fixture according to an embodiment. Figure 2 The image shows a general outline of vehicle lighting fixtures, such as... Figure 1 The vertical cross-section of a vehicle lamp installed in a vehicle as shown.

[0030] The vehicle lamp 10 of the embodiment is a vehicle lamp device having a pair of headlight units 11, namely a driver's side headlight 11A disposed on the driver's side of the vehicle and a passenger side headlight 11B disposed on the passenger side of the vehicle. Figure 1 The example shows a right-hand drive vehicle corresponding to left-hand traffic. On the paper, the driver's side headlight 11A is shown on the left and the passenger side headlight 11B is shown on the right. Figure 2 The driver's side headlight 11A is shown in the diagram. Except for the angle configuration of the high beam unit described later, the driver's side headlight 11A and the passenger side headlight 11B have a generally symmetrical structure and substantially the same configuration.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, the headlight unit 11 includes a lamp body 12 with a front surface opening 13 and a light-transmitting cover 14 mounted on the lamp body 12 to cover the front surface opening 13. The lamp body 12 and the light-transmitting cover 14 constitute the lamp frame. As a general example, the lamp body 12 is formed of a suitable material such as a general resin material, and the light-transmitting cover 14 is formed of a suitable light-transmitting material such as a light-transmitting synthetic resin material or glass.

[0032] The headlight unit 11 includes a low beam unit 18 and a high beam unit 20. These two units are arranged in the lamp chamber 16, which is the internal space of the lamp frame.

[0033] The low beam unit 18 is configured to illuminate a low beam pattern. The low beam unit 18 includes, for example, a light source such as an LED and an optical system for projecting light from the light source toward the front of the vehicle. Any known optical configuration for forming the low beam pattern can be used in the low beam unit 18.

[0034] The high beam unit 20 is configured to illuminate a high beam light distribution pattern. The high beam unit 20 includes a pattern generator 22 and a projection optical system 24. In addition, a support 26 for supporting the pattern generator 22 and the projection optical system 24 is provided in the lamp chamber 16.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the first high beam unit 20A is mounted on the driver's side headlight 11A, and the second high beam unit 20B is mounted on the passenger side headlight 11B. Details will be described later. The first high beam unit 20A is capable of forming a first high beam pattern and depicting the road surface within a first illumination range 34. The second high beam unit 20B is capable of forming a second high beam pattern within a second illumination range 36.

[0036] Furthermore, if necessary, an additional high beam unit can be installed in the driver's side headlight 11A along with the first high beam unit 20A. Similarly, an additional high beam unit can be installed in the passenger side headlight 11B along with the second high beam unit 20B.

[0037] The pattern generator 22 has multiple pixels arranged in a two-dimensional manner, each of which can be controlled independently. By individually controlling these pixels (e.g., switching them on and off), the pattern generator 22 can generate various light distribution patterns. For example, bright areas within a light distribution pattern are formed by the on pixels, and dark areas are formed by the off pixels. To generate light distribution patterns at high resolution, the pattern generator 22 may also have at least 1,000 pixels or at least 10,000 pixels.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pattern generator 22 may also be a device that arranges multiple light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) in a matrix. In this case, each light-emitting element functions as a pixel. Such a high-precision device may also be called a pixel lamp or a matrix LED, etc. For example, the pattern generator 22 may also be a 64-row, 256-column matrix LED light source.

[0039] Alternatively, instead of such a self-illuminating pattern generator 22, other forms of pattern generators can be used, such as combinations with MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices such as light sources and micromirror devices, or liquid crystal displays.

[0040] The so-called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control, which dynamically and adaptively controls the high beam pattern based on the conditions around the vehicle, can also be applied to the pattern generator 22. As is well known, in ADB control, vehicles in front of the vehicle, such as those traveling in front or oncoming vehicles, are detected, and dark areas are formed in the high beam pattern Hi corresponding to the vehicles in front, thereby reducing or preventing glare that may be caused to the vehicles in front.

[0041] Pattern generator 22 not only forms high beam distribution patterns but also performs road surface mapping. Pattern generator 22 can also generate a beam distribution pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a road surface mapping pattern) for road surface mapping, either in place of the high beam distribution pattern (which may include an ADB beam distribution pattern) or together with it. An example of such operation is described later.

[0042] Road marking patterns can include various designs such as desired text, graphics, and symbols that should be depicted on the road surface. Road marking can convey various messages, such as drawing the attention of the driver of the vehicle, pedestrians around the vehicle, and drivers of other vehicles, or displaying a welcome message to drivers near the vehicle.

[0043] The projection optical system 24 is configured to project the light distribution pattern generated by the pattern generator 22 onto the vehicle lamp 10. The projection optical system 24 includes at least one optical component (e.g., a lens or reflector). Typically, as shown, the projection optical system 24 may also include a projection lens that receives light from the pattern generator 22 and projects the light through the light-transmitting cover 14 onto the vehicle lamp 10. Alternatively, the projection optical system 24 may be a reversing optical system that inverts and projects the light distribution pattern generated on the pattern generator 22.

[0044] The support 26 is supported within the lamp housing 16 in a manner that allows it to tilt relative to the lamp housing 12. As an example, the support 26 may also be a support member (e.g., a support bracket) with a plate-like portion, arranged such that one side faces forward (towards the light-transmitting cover 14) and the opposite side faces backward (towards the lamp housing 12). The support 26 may be formed from suitable materials such as synthetic resin or metal. The support 26 may function as a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat emitted by the pattern generator 22, or such a heat dissipation member may be mounted on the support 26. Such a support structure for the optical unit within the lamp housing 16 can employ various known configurations, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0045] Not only the high beam unit 20, but the support body 26 can also support the low beam unit 18. The low beam unit 18 and the high beam unit 20 can also be fixed to the support body 26. In this case, the relative positional relationship between the low beam unit 18 and the high beam unit 20 on the support body 26 remains unchanged.

[0046] The headlight unit 11 includes a lighting ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 28 that controls the vehicle's lighting fixtures 10. The ECU can be implemented through a combination of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcomputer (or similar processor) and software programs executed by the processor. The lighting ECU 28 can also be configured within the lamp housing 16. Alternatively, the lighting ECU 28 can be mounted on the lamp body 12.

[0047] The lighting ECU 28 functions as a lighting control circuit for the vehicle lighting unit 10, which controls the low beam unit 18 and the high beam unit 20. The lighting ECU 28 can also obtain vehicle information required to control the vehicle lighting unit 10 from a higher-level controller. For example, the lighting ECU 28 can control the operation of the low beam unit 18 (e.g., on / off, light intensity, etc.) based on the vehicle information. The lighting ECU 28 can also control the operation of the high beam unit 20 (e.g., on / off, light distribution pattern, etc.) based on the vehicle information. In particular, the lighting ECU 28 can also control the pattern generator 22 based on the vehicle information.

[0048] The host controller is an ECU configured outside the vehicle lighting fixture 10 and performs unified control over the entire vehicle or a part thereof; it can also be called a vehicle ECU. The lighting fixture ECU 28 can communicate with the vehicle ECU via an in-vehicle network or other suitable communication network based on network protocols such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and can receive vehicle information from the vehicle ECU through such a network.

[0049] Furthermore, the headlight unit 11 includes an angle offset adjuster 30 for adjusting the illumination direction of the high beam unit 20 in the vertical direction. Thus, the vehicle lamp 10 can set the illumination direction of the high beam unit 20, i.e., the direction of light (e.g., high beam pattern, road surface pattern) illuminating the outside of the vehicle lamp 10 from the high beam unit 20, to a desired angle in the vertical direction. The angle offset adjuster 30 can have any known configuration to achieve such adjustment.

[0050] For example, the angle offset adjuster 30 may also include a manual adjustment mechanism, such as a calibration mechanism, capable of adjusting the optical axis of the projection optical system 24 of the far-beam unit 20. The calibration mechanism may have a calibration screw rotatably supported on the lamp body 12 and a screw hole corresponding to the calibration screw formed in the support body 26. The calibration mechanism may also be configured such that the optical axis of the projection optical system 24 supported on the support body 26 can be adjusted in the vertical direction by rotating the calibration screw in the screw hole.

[0051] Alternatively, the angle offset adjuster 30 may also include an automatic adjustment mechanism, such as a leveling mechanism, capable of adjusting the optical axis of the projection optics system 24 of the high beam unit 20. The leveling mechanism may also include a so-called leveling actuator that drives the support 26 in a manner capable of adjusting the optical axis of the projection optics system 24 in the vertical direction. Such an automatic adjustment mechanism may also be controlled by the lamp ECU 28.

[0052] In this embodiment, an angle offset adjuster 30 is used to set a downward angle offset for the first high beam unit 20A compared to the second high beam unit 20B. This angle offset is applied by the amount by which the first illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A is directed downward in the vertical direction compared to the second illumination direction of the second high beam unit 20B. Therefore, as will be explained later, the first illumination range provided by the first high beam unit 20A partially overlaps with the second illumination range provided by the second high beam unit 20B, and extends downward beyond the second illumination range.

[0053] The angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B is determined as an initial setting during the optical axis adjustment operation in the manufacturing process of the vehicle lamp 10 and the vehicle assembly process, and is not changed thereafter. The angular offset is set and mechanically fixed by an angle offset adjuster 30, such as a calibration mechanism. Thus, the angular offset is maintained at a constant value during the operation of the vehicle lamp 10, such as when the vehicle is in motion.

[0054] Furthermore, during the operation of the vehicle lighting fixture 10, leveling control can be performed on at least one of the two headlight units 11 as needed. In this case, the vehicle lighting fixture 10 can also be configured to link the leveling mechanisms of the driver's side headlight 11A and the passenger side headlight 11B together to maintain the angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B. In this way, the angular offset between the two high beam units 20 can be maintained, while the optical axes of the two units can be adjusted simultaneously.

[0055] Figure 3 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary illumination direction of a vehicle lamp as a comparative example. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary illumination range of a vehicle lamp for the comparative example. Figure 4 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary illumination direction of the vehicle lamp according to the embodiment. Figure 4 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary illumination range of the vehicle lamps of the embodiment.

[0056] exist Figure 3 (a) and Figure 4 In (a), the illumination directions of the low beam unit 18, the first high beam unit 20A, and the second high beam unit 20B when the vehicle is viewed horizontally from the side are roughly shown. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 4 (b) shows, in a general sense, the illumination range of the low beam unit 18, the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B on a virtual vertical screen in front of the vehicle lights, for example, 25m in front.

[0057] In both the typical existing vehicle lamps used as comparative examples and the vehicle lamp 10 of the embodiment, the low beam unit 18 has the same illumination direction. For example... Figure 3 (a) to Figure 4 As shown in (b), the low beam unit 18 is capable of forming a low beam distribution pattern Lo below the cutoff line 32. It is well known that the low beam distribution pattern Lo illuminates a predetermined area below the horizontal line H. The cutoff line 32 of the low beam distribution pattern Lo is located at or near the horizontal line H.

[0058] In addition, Figure 3 (b) and Figure 4In (b), the cutoff line 32 is schematically shown as a straight line along the horizontal line H. Alternatively, the cutoff line 32 may have an opposing lane-side cutoff line extending parallel to the horizontal line H to the right of the vertical line V, and a lane-side cutoff line extending parallel to the horizontal line H at a position higher than the opposing lane-side cutoff line to the left of the vertical line V. Furthermore, there may be an inclined cutoff line connecting the opposing lane-side cutoff line and the lane-side cutoff line.

[0059] Furthermore, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the embodiment, as in the comparative example, the illumination direction of the low beam unit 18 is common to both headlight units 11. Regarding the low beam unit 18, unlike the high beam unit 20, the vertical angular offset is not set between the two low beam units 18. The low beam distribution patterns Lo from each low beam unit 18 are formed in substantially the same location at least in the vertical direction and overlap with each other.

[0060] On the other hand, the illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A differs between the comparative example and the embodiment. In the comparative example, the vertical angular offset is not set between the two high beam units 20. The first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B provide a first illumination range 34 and a second illumination range 36, respectively, above or near the horizontal line H. Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the first irradiation range 34 and the second irradiation range 36 are at the same height in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the lower vertical edge of these irradiation ranges is located at or near the horizontal line H. However, in Figure 3 In (b), to facilitate distinction between the two, the first irradiation range 34 and the second irradiation range 36 are illustrated with dashed lines, slightly offset vertically. On the other hand, in the horizontal direction, the first irradiation range 34 and the second irradiation range 36 are offset from each other. The first irradiation range 34 is offset to the right relative to the second irradiation range 36 in a manner that partially overlaps with it. The right edge of the first irradiation range 34 and the left edge of the second irradiation range 36 are located at equidistant points from the vertical line V on opposite sides of each other.

[0061] In the comparative example, these high beam units 20 form a high beam distribution pattern in the first illumination range 34 and the second illumination range 36. It is well known that the high beam distribution pattern illuminates a predetermined area above the horizontal line H. Furthermore, the lower edge of the high beam distribution pattern can also illuminate slightly below the cutoff line 32 of the low beam distribution pattern Lo, and the high beam distribution pattern and the low beam distribution pattern Lo can also partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0062] In contrast, in this embodiment, the first illumination direction of the first high beam unit 20A is offset downwards by the aforementioned angle, and is oriented vertically downwards compared to the second illumination direction of the second high beam unit 20B. The illumination direction of the second high beam unit 20B is the same in both the comparative example and the embodiment.

[0063] Therefore, as Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in (b), the first illumination range 34 is offset downward in the vertical direction relative to the second illumination range 36. The second high beam unit 20B provides the second illumination range 36 above or near the horizontal line H, while the first high beam unit 20A provides the first illumination range 34, which partially overlaps with and extends downward to a position below the second illumination range. The second illumination range 36 extends upward above the first illumination range 34.

[0064] The first illumination range 34 represents the maximum area that the first high beam unit 20A can illuminate. By turning on all pixels of the pattern generator 22 of the first high beam unit 20A, light can be illuminated throughout the entire area of ​​the first illumination range 34. By controlling the pattern generator 22, a first high beam distribution pattern of the first high beam unit 20A can be formed in at least a portion of the first illumination range 34. Similarly, the second illumination range 36 represents the maximum area that the second high beam unit 20B can illuminate. By turning on all pixels of the pattern generator 22 of the second high beam unit 20B, light can be illuminated throughout the entire area of ​​the second illumination range 36. By controlling the pattern generator 22, a second high beam distribution pattern of the second high beam unit 20B can be formed in at least a portion of the second illumination range 36.

[0065] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown in (b), the first irradiation range 34 may also have a rectangular shape defined by a first upper edge 34a, a first lower edge 34b, a first left edge 34c, and a first right edge 34d. The first upper edge 34a and the first lower edge 34b are parallel to the horizontal line H, and the first left edge 34c and the first right edge 34d are parallel to the vertical line V. Similarly, the second irradiation range 36 may also have a rectangular shape defined by a second upper edge 36a, a second lower edge 36b, a second left edge 36c, and a second right edge 36d. The second upper edge 36a and the second lower edge 36b are parallel to the horizontal line H, and the second left edge 36c and the second right edge 36d are parallel to the vertical line V.

[0066] The first irradiation range 34 and the second irradiation range 36 partially overlap. Therefore, the first upper edge 34a of the first irradiation range 34 is located below the second upper edge 36a in the vertical direction between the second upper edge 36a and the second lower edge 36b of the second irradiation range 36. The second lower edge 36b of the second irradiation range 36 is located below the first upper edge 34a in the vertical direction between the first upper edge 34a and the first lower edge 34b of the first irradiation range 34, and more specifically, is located at or near the horizontal line H.

[0067] Corresponding to the case where the two high-beam units 20 include a pattern generator 22 and have the same optical configuration, the shape and area of ​​the first illumination range 34 and the second illumination range 36 can also be equal. Therefore, the lengths of the first upper edge 34a of the first illumination range 34 and the second upper edge 36a of the second illumination range 36 can also be equal. Similarly, the lengths of the lower edges of these two illumination ranges (i.e., the first lower edge 34b and the second lower edge 36b), the left edges of these two ranges, and the right edges of these two ranges can also be equal.

[0068] The first illumination range 34 includes: a repeating region 38 that overlaps with the second illumination range 36; and a lower region 40 that deviates from the second illumination range 36 below the repeating region 38. With respect to the vertical direction, the overlapping region 38 is defined by a first upper edge 34a and a second lower edge 36b, and the lower region 40 is defined by a second lower edge 36b and a first lower edge 34b. The lower region 40 is vertically adjacent to the overlapping region 38 at the second lower edge 36b. Since the second lower edge 36b is located at or near the horizontal line H as described above, light emitted from the first high beam unit 20A towards the repeating region 38 travels above the road surface, and light emitted towards the lower region 40 travels below the horizontal line H, reaching the region 44 on the road surface in front of the vehicle. Utilizing this, the first high beam unit 20A forms at least a portion of the first high beam distribution pattern in the repeating region 38 of the first illumination range 34, and provides road surface depiction in the lower region 40.

[0069] The second illumination range 36 includes a repeating region 38 and an upper region 42 that deviates from the first illumination range 34 above the repeating region 38. The upper region 42 is defined by a second upper edge 36a and a first upper edge 34a. The upper region 42 is vertically adjacent to the repeating region 38 at the first upper edge 34a. The second high beam unit 20B forms at least a portion of the second high beam distribution pattern in the repeating region 38 of the second illumination range 36. Alternatively, the second high beam unit 20B may also form at least a portion of the second high beam distribution pattern in the upper region 42.

[0070] Compared to other areas, the repeating area 38 can provide high-intensity illumination. Since both the first high-beam unit 20A and the second high-beam unit 20B can form a high-beam distribution pattern in the repeating area 38, their overlap enables the provision of even higher-intensity high-beam illumination. Therefore, the required intensity standards for high beams can be easily met.

[0071] On the other hand, with individual illumination from the first high beam unit 20A, the lower region 40 can provide lower intensity illumination compared to the repeating region 38. Therefore, the lower region 40 can be used to form road surface depiction patterns or other light distribution patterns that allow for lower intensity compared to the high beam.

[0072] The vertical height of the lower region 40 from the first lower edge 34b to the second lower edge 36b is determined based on the magnitude of the downward angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B. This downward angular offset can be at least 1.00 degrees, and preferably at least 1.50 degrees. Positive values ​​can also represent upward angular offsets, and negative values ​​can represent downward angular offsets. In this case, the angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B can be, for example, less than -1.00 degrees, or preferably less than -1.50 degrees. In this way, a practically suitable vertical height for road surface depiction can be provided to the lower region 40 of the first illumination range 34.

[0073] The downward angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B can be, for example, up to 3.00 degrees, or preferably up to 2.50 degrees. That is, the angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B can be, for example, -3.00 degrees or more, or preferably -2.50 degrees or more. This allows for a sufficiently wide vertical height to be provided for the lower region 40 used for road surface depiction in the first illumination range 34. Furthermore, this angular offset condition helps prevent the vertical height of the repeating region 38 used for high beam illumination (which may include ADB control) from becoming excessively narrow.

[0074] Furthermore, when the horizontal line H is represented as 0 degrees, the downward angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the horizontal line H (i.e., the angular position of the first lower edge 34b of the first illumination range 34 relative to the horizontal line H) can, for example, be in the range of 2.50 degrees to 4.50 degrees, preferably in the range of 3.00 degrees to 4.00 degrees. When the downward angular offset is represented by a negative value, the angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the horizontal line H can, for example, be in the range of -2.50 degrees to -4.50 degrees or more, preferably in the range of -3.00 degrees to -4.00 degrees or more. Accordingly, road surface depiction based on the first high beam unit 20A can be provided below the horizontal line H, at a position in the vertical direction that is easier for the driver to visually recognize. Additionally, the excessive downward illumination direction of the high beam of the first high beam unit 20A can be avoided.

[0075] When the horizontal line H is represented as 0 degrees, the downward angular offset of the second high beam unit 20B relative to the horizontal line H (i.e., the angular position of the second lower edge 36b of the second illumination range 36 relative to the horizontal line H) can, for example, be within ±2.50 degrees, ±1.50 degrees, or ±1.00 degrees. To make the second illumination range 36 partially overlap with the low beam pattern Lo in the vertical direction, the angular offset of the second high beam unit 20B relative to the horizontal line H can, for example, be in the range of less than 0.00 degrees to more than 2.00 degrees, and preferably in the range of less than -0.57 degrees to more than 1.50 degrees.

[0076] In the horizontal direction, the first irradiation range 34 and the second irradiation range 36 are offset from each other in the same manner as in the comparative example. The first irradiation range 34 is offset to the right relative to the second irradiation range 36 in a manner that partially overlaps with the second irradiation range 36. The first left edge 34c of the first irradiation range 34 is located between the second left edge 36c and the second right edge 36d of the second irradiation range 36, and is located to the right of the second left edge 36c. The second right edge 36d of the second irradiation range 36 is located between the first left edge 34c and the first right edge 34d of the first irradiation range 34, and is located to the left of the first right edge 34d. The first right edge 34d of the first irradiation range 34 and the second left edge 36c of the second irradiation range 36 are located at equal distances from the vertical line V on opposite sides of each other.

[0077] Since the first illumination range 34 and the second illumination range 36 are offset horizontally in this way, the lower region 40 of the first illumination range 34 extends to the first upper edge 34a of the first illumination range 34 above the right side of the second illumination range 36. In this lateral region extending to the right side of the repeating region 38, since the first high beam unit 20A can individually provide illumination with a lower intensity than the repeating region 38, it can also be used to form at least a portion of the first high beam light distribution pattern or other light distribution patterns. Similarly, the upper region 42 of the second illumination range 36 extends to the second lower edge 36b of the second illumination range 36 below the left side of the first illumination range 34. This lateral region can also be used to form at least a portion of the second high beam light distribution pattern.

[0078] However, in road surface depiction, light emitted from the vehicle's lamps 10 that is directed downwards from the horizontal line H is used. In other words, light directed upwards from the horizontal line H does not reach the road surface and therefore cannot be used for road surface depiction. Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) It is understood that the illumination range of the high beam unit 20 of the comparative example vehicle lights is located above the horizontal line H, therefore these high beam units 20 cannot provide road surface depiction. In contrast, by Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) It is understood that, according to the implementation, the first illumination range 34 of the first high beam unit 20A reaches the area 44 on the road surface, so the first high beam unit 20A can provide road surface depiction.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the actions that can be performed in the vehicle lighting fixture 10 of the embodiment. Figure 5 The diagram roughly shows the low beam pattern Lo, the high beam pattern Hi, and the road surface pattern 46 illuminated by the vehicle lights 10.

[0080] In this example, the first high beam unit 20A forms a first high beam pattern Hi1 and a road surface depiction pattern 46 within a first illumination range 34. The first high beam pattern Hi1 is formed in the repeating region 38 of the first illumination range 34, and also in a portion of the side region offset to the right from the repeating region 38. The road surface depiction pattern 46 is formed in the lower region 40. As an example, the road surface depiction pattern 46 illustrates a warning sign used to inform the driver that they are driving on a slippery road surface such as snow or frost. The second high beam unit 20B forms a second high beam pattern Hi2 within a second illumination range 36. The second high beam pattern Hi2 is formed in the repeating region 38 of the second illumination range 36, and also in a portion of the side region offset to the left from the repeating region 38. The first high beam pattern Hi1 and the second high beam pattern Hi2 are combined to form a roughly trapezoidal high beam pattern Hi, as illustrated, above the cutoff line 32 of the low beam pattern Lo.

[0081] In this way, according to the embodiment, the first high beam unit 20A can provide road surface mapping using the lower area 40. Furthermore, for high beam illumination, both the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B can be used. In this way, a vehicle headlight device that can simultaneously provide high beam illumination and road surface mapping can be provided.

[0082] Regardless of whether the first high beam unit 20A is performing road surface marking, the angular offset of the first high beam unit 20A relative to the second high beam unit 20B remains unchanged. This angular offset is preset and does not change during vehicle movement. In this way, based on the fixed angular relative position between the two high beam units 20, the first high beam unit 20A can set a lower region 40 for road surface marking within the first illumination range 34. Therefore, according to this embodiment, unlike the prior art, there is no need for leveling control of the high beam unit 20 to switch between high beam illumination and road surface marking; the vehicle lamp 10 can easily perform high beam illumination and road surface marking simultaneously. The vehicle lamp 10 can perform high beam illumination, including ADB control, while performing road surface marking.

[0083] Furthermore, the first high beam unit 20A is mounted on the driver's side headlight 11A, and the second high beam unit 20B is mounted on the passenger side headlight 11B. In this way, the first high beam unit 20A can easily depict the road surface at a position easily visible to the driver.

[0084] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. Embodiments and modifications can be combined, or further modifications such as various design changes can be applied based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Such combinations or modifications are also included within the scope of this invention. New embodiments resulting from the above-described embodiments or modifications, and combinations thereof with the following modifications, possess the respective effects of the combined embodiments, modifications, and further modifications.

[0085] In one embodiment, contrary to the above embodiment, the first high beam unit 20A is mounted on the passenger-side headlight 11B, and the second high beam unit 20B is mounted on the driver-side headlight 11A. In this way, a vehicle headlight device capable of both high beam illumination and road surface marking can be provided.

[0086] Alternatively, one of the headlight units 11 may be equipped with both the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B. Alternatively, both the first high beam unit 20A and the second high beam unit 20B may be mounted on both of the headlight units 11.

[0087] Based on the implementation methods, the present invention has been described using specific statements. However, the implementation methods only show one aspect of the principle and application of the present invention. In the implementation methods, various modifications or configuration changes can be identified without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0088] The implementation method can also be as shown in the following items marked with numbers.

[0089] 1. A headlight device for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises:

[0090] The first high beam unit is capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and depicting the road surface within a first illumination range; and

[0091] The second high-beam unit is capable of forming a second high-beam light distribution pattern within the second illumination range.

[0092] The first irradiation range is offset downward relative to the second irradiation range to include an overlapping area where the first irradiation range and the second irradiation range coincide, and a lower area that deviates from the second irradiation range below the overlapping area;

[0093] The first high beam unit forms a road surface pattern in the area below.

[0094] 2. The vehicle headlight device as described in item 1, characterized in that,

[0095] The first high beam unit forms at least a portion of the first high beam light distribution pattern in the repeating area of ​​the first illumination range;

[0096] The second high beam unit forms at least a portion of the second high beam light distribution pattern in the repeating area of ​​the second illumination range.

[0097] 3. The vehicle headlight device as described in item 1 or 2, characterized in that,

[0098] The first high beam unit is configured to have a downward angle offset relative to the second high beam unit, so that the first illumination range is offset downward relative to the second illumination range;

[0099] The downward angle offset remains unchanged regardless of whether the first high beam unit is performing the road surface mapping.

[0100] 4. The vehicle headlight device as described in item 3, characterized in that,

[0101] The downward angular offset is at least 1.00 degrees.

[0102] 5. The vehicle headlight device as described in item 3 or 4, characterized in that,

[0103] The downward angular offset is at most 3.00 degrees.

[0104] 6. The vehicle headlight device as described in any one of items 3 to 5, characterized in that,

[0105] The first high beam unit has an angle offset adjuster that sets the downward angle offset.

[0106] 7. The vehicle headlight device as described in any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that,

[0107] The first high beam unit is offset at an angle between -2.50 degrees and 4.50 degrees relative to the horizontal line.

[0108] 8. The vehicle headlight device as described in any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that,

[0109] The second high beam unit is offset at an angle between +2.00 degrees and -2.00 degrees relative to the horizontal line.

[0110] 9. The vehicle headlight device as described in any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that,

[0111] The second irradiation range includes the area above the repeating region that deviates from the first irradiation range.

[0112] 10. The vehicle headlight device according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that,

[0113] The vehicle headlight device includes a driver's side headlight disposed on the driver's side of the vehicle and a passenger side headlight disposed on the passenger side of the vehicle.

[0114] The first high beam unit is mounted on the driver's side headlight, and the second high beam unit is mounted on the passenger side headlight.

[0115] Industrial availability

[0116] This invention can be used, for example, in vehicle headlight devices that can be mounted on automobiles or other vehicles.

[0117] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0118] 10 Vehicle lights, 11 Headlight unit, 11A Driver's side headlight, 11B Passenger's side headlight, 20 High beam unit, 20A First high beam unit, 20B Second high beam unit, 34 First illumination range, 36 Second illumination range, 38 Repeating area, 40 Lower area, 42 Upper area, 46 Road surface pattern.

Claims

1. A headlight device for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: The first high beam unit is capable of forming a first high beam distribution pattern and depicting the road surface within the first illumination range; as well as The second high-beam unit is capable of forming a second high-beam light distribution pattern within the second illumination range. The first irradiation range is offset downward relative to the second irradiation range, such that it includes an overlapping region where the first irradiation range and the second irradiation range coincide, and a lower region that deviates from the second irradiation range below the overlapping region. The first high beam unit forms a road surface pattern in the area below.

2. The vehicle headlight device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first high beam unit forms at least a portion of the first high beam light distribution pattern in the repeating area of ​​the first illumination range; The second high beam unit forms at least a portion of the second high beam light distribution pattern in the repeating area of ​​the second illumination range.

3. The vehicle headlight device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is configured to have a downward angle offset relative to the second high beam unit, so that the first illumination range is offset downward relative to the second illumination range; The downward angle offset remains unchanged regardless of whether the first high beam unit is performing the road surface mapping.

4. The vehicle headlight device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The downward angular offset is at least 1.00 degrees.

5. The vehicle headlight device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The downward angular offset is at most 3.00 degrees.

6. The vehicle headlight device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first high beam unit has an angle offset adjuster that sets the downward angle offset.

7. The vehicle headlight device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first high beam unit is offset at an angle between -2.50 degrees and -4.50 degrees relative to the horizontal line.

8. The vehicle headlight device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second high beam unit is offset at an angle between +2.00 degrees and -2.00 degrees relative to the horizontal line.

9. The vehicle headlight device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second irradiation range includes the area above the repeating region that deviates from the first irradiation range.

10. The vehicle headlight device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The vehicle headlight device includes a driver's side headlight disposed on the driver's side of the vehicle and a passenger side headlight disposed on the passenger side of the vehicle. The first high beam unit is mounted on the driver's side headlight, and the second high beam unit is mounted on the passenger side headlight.

Images