Headlamp system

Abstract

Improving the visual recognition of the front of a vehicle in the rain and the like. A headlamp system includes a headlamp configured to move an irradiation position of an irradiation light and provided to a vehicle, a controller connected to the headlamp and controlling an operation of the headlamp, and a weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting weather at a current position of the vehicle, wherein, in a case where the weather detected by the weather detection unit is rain that satisfies a prescribed criterion, the controller controls the headlamp to move the irradiation position of the irradiation light to a position relatively closer to an outer side and / or a lower side of the vehicle than before the movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to headlight systems. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6032248 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle lighting device that, when weather conditions with poor visibility are detected ahead of the vehicle, controls the headlights to provide reduced illumination to the portion of the road surface ahead of the vehicle that corresponds to the road shape estimated by a road estimation unit. Furthermore, this vehicle lighting device is controlled to not illuminate upwards during rain or snow. However, from the viewpoint of improving visual visibility ahead of the vehicle during rain or other conditions, there is room for further improvement.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6032248 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to improve the visual visibility of the front of a vehicle during rain or other conditions.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] One aspect of the headlight system disclosed herein includes: The headlight is configured to move the position of the illuminating light and is installed on the vehicle. A controller, connected to the headlights, and controlling the operation of the headlights; and A weather detection unit, connected to the controller, detects the weather at the vehicle's current location. When the weather detected by the weather detection unit is a rainy day that meets the prescribed criteria, the controller controls the headlights to move the position of the illumination light to a position relatively closer to the outer and / or lower side of the vehicle compared to before the movement.

[0010] Based on the above structure, the visual visibility in front of the vehicle can be improved during rainfall and other conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 (A) is a diagram showing the structure of a headlight system according to one embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a computer system.

[0012] Figure 2(A) is a top view schematically showing the position of the high beam before the movement. Figure 2 (B) is a top view schematically showing the position of the high beam after the movement.

[0013] Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (B) Figure 3 (C) is a schematic front view showing a structural example of a high beam unit capable of moving the illumination position of the high beam.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view showing other structural examples of a high beam unit capable of moving the illumination position of the high beam.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of actions of the headlight system.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view showing an example of a modified structure of the high beam unit. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 (A) is a diagram illustrating the structure of a headlight system according to one embodiment. The illustrated headlight system is configured to include a controller 10, a camera 11, a headlight switch 12, a rain sensor 13, and a pair of headlights 14R and 14L. This headlight system is used to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle.

[0018] The controller 10 controls the illumination of each headlight 14R, 14L. The controller 10 can use, for example... Figure 1 The computer system described in (B) is configured to include a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a flash memory and other storage devices 204, an input / output interface (I / F) 205, etc.

[0019] Camera 11 detects pedestrian positions and other conditions based on images of the space in front of the vehicle. Camera 11 captures images of the space in front of the vehicle to generate image data, and performs image recognition processing on this image data to detect the positions of pedestrians, vehicles ahead (driving vehicles or oncoming vehicles), white lines on the road, and other conditions in front of the vehicle. Alternatively, this image processing function can also be implemented in controller 10. In this case, image data is supplied from camera 11 to controller 10, and image recognition processing is performed by executing a predetermined program in controller 10. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned camera, other units for detecting conditions in front of the vehicle may include, for example, optical ranging sensors such as LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and ultrasonic sensors.

[0020] The headlight switch 12 is located near the driver's seat in the vehicle and can be operated by the driver. The headlight switch 12 is operated by the driver when it is desired to illuminate the headlights 14R and 14L.

[0021] Raindrop sensor 13 detects the amount of rainfall (and / or the diameter of raindrops; hereinafter the same) in the location where the vehicle is present, and outputs a signal (or data) representing the change in the amount of rainfall. As raindrop sensor 13, various known sensors can be used, such as sensors that are disposed on the inside of the windshield of the vehicle and detect raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the glass by optical methods.

[0022] A pair of headlights 14R and 14L are mounted at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle, and operate according to control signals provided by the controller 10 to illuminate the front of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the headlights 14R and 14L can illuminate low beam (meeting lights), high beam (driving lights), and can also illuminate selective high beam, which is a light that is partially dimmed (or extinguished) according to the position of the vehicle ahead. Selective high beam is also known as adaptive drive beam (ADB). Each headlight 14R and 14L has a high beam unit 30 for illuminating high beam and selective high beam, and a low beam unit 31 for illuminating low beam.

[0023] Various known structures can be adopted for the headlights 14R and 14L. For example, high beam and low beam can be formed by combining a light source bulb, a reflector, and a shield. Alternatively, selective high beam can be formed by arranging light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in one or two directions and using a light source unit that can individually control the illumination state of each light-emitting element. Selective high beam can also be formed by using a light source unit that includes a light source and a liquid crystal element, and can individually control the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element. Furthermore, selective high beam can be formed by using a light source unit that includes a light-emitting element such as a laser diode and a scanning element such as a reflector that scans the light emitted from the light-emitting element, allowing control over the timing of the light-emitting element's illumination and the scanning timing of the scanning element. Moreover, in these light source units, in addition to forming selective high beam, high beam and low beam can also be formed.

[0024] The controller 10 described above includes an illumination state setting unit (illumination state setting function) 20, a light distribution control unit (light distribution control function) 21, and a light distribution movement control unit (light distribution movement control function) 22, which are functions implemented by the processor 201 reading and executing a program stored in the storage device 204.

[0025] The illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state of each headlight 14R and 14L based on the situation in front of the vehicle captured by the camera 11 and the operation state of the headlight switch 12.

[0026] For example, when the headlight switch 12 is in the state indicating low beam illumination, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state so that the low beam units 31 of each headlight 14R, 14L illuminate the low beam.

[0027] In addition, when the headlight switch 12 illuminates both low beam and high beam, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state so that the low beam unit 31 of each headlight 14R, 14L illuminates the low beam, and sets the illumination state so that the high beam unit 30 illuminates the high beam.

[0028] In addition, when the headlight switch 12 is set to indicate selective high beam illumination, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state so that the high beam units of each headlight 14R, 14L illuminate selective high beam. The light distribution pattern of the selective high beam is set to include a light reduction range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead (oncoming vehicle or preceding vehicle) captured by the camera 11.

[0029] The light distribution control unit 21 generates a control signal and supplies it to each headlamp 14R, 14L. The control signal is used to make each headlamp 14R, 14L generate illumination light corresponding to the illumination state set by the illumination state setting unit 20.

[0030] The light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the movement of the illumination position of the illumination light formed by each headlight 14R, 14L based on the amount of rainfall (and / or the diameter of the raindrops) detected by the raindrop sensor 13.

[0031] Figure 2 (A) is a top view schematically showing the illumination range of the high beams before movement. For example... Figure 2 As shown in (A), the high beam 50 emitted by the high beam unit 30 of the headlight 14R illuminates a range extending forward of the vehicle approximately centered on the reference axis L. The reference axis L is the axis representing the main direction of travel of the high beam 50 of the high beam unit 30, that is, the axis representing the central direction of the high beam 50 (the so-called light axis). In the illustrated example, the reference axis L is oriented towards the vehicle's direction of travel (a direction approximately parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction). When the high beam 50 is a selective high beam, the reference axis L can be set as the central axis when the entire range is illuminated without setting a dimming range.

[0032] At this time, the line of sight E from the driver's seat occupant 100 towards the pedestrian 101 in front of the vehicle overlaps with the illumination range of the high beam 50, as shown in the figure. If it is raining around the vehicle, the light may be scattered by raindrops in the air within the overlapping area of ​​the high beam 50's illumination range and the line of sight E, potentially creating a light curtain phenomenon. The light curtain phenomenon refers to the phenomenon where space appears as white smoke due to scattered light. If a light curtain phenomenon occurs, the visual recognition of the pedestrian 101 from the perspective of the occupant 100 will be reduced.

[0033] Figure 2 (B) is a top view schematically showing the illumination range of the high beams after the movement. For example... Figure 2 As shown in (B), the illumination range of the high beam 50 moves to the right (i.e., outside the vehicle) relative to the vehicle. In the illustrated example, by physically moving the high beam unit 30 to the right, the illumination range of the high beam 50 shifts to the right. At this time, the reference axis L of the high beam 50 moves parallel from the inside to the outside of the vehicle before and after the movement of the illumination range of the high beam 50. That is, when viewed relative to the high beam unit 30, the direction of the reference axis L when the high beam 50 is emitted does not change, and the reference axis L before the movement of the illumination range is approximately parallel to the reference axis L after the movement. As a result, the area where the illumination range of the high beam 50 overlaps with the passenger's line of sight E is shortened, reducing the illustrated range (distance) D, thus reducing the light curtain perceived by the passenger's vision. Furthermore, "outer side of the vehicle" refers to the side relatively close to the vehicle, and "inner side of the vehicle" refers to the side relatively far from the vehicle.

[0034] In the headlight system of this embodiment, based on the principle described above, by shifting the illumination position of the high beam 50 during rainfall, the position of the illumination range shifts, thereby reducing the light curtain perceived by the occupant and improving visual visibility. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0035] Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (B) Figure 3 (C) is a schematic front view showing a structural example of a high beam unit capable of moving the illumination position of the high beam. Here, a structural example of the high beam unit 30 in the headlight 14R on the right side of the vehicle is shown, while the headlight 14L on the left side of the vehicle can be configured as a symmetrical structure.

[0036] Figure 3 The high beam unit 30 in the structural example shown in (A) is configured to be able to move its own position inside the housing of the headlight 14R. As an example, by configuring the high beam unit 30 in a manner that includes a light source, a track supporting the light source that can slide, and an actuator for moving the light source, the position of the unit itself can be moved between the inside and outside of the vehicle as shown in the figure. The moving distance of the high beam unit 30 can be set to, for example, about 10 to 20 cm (the same applies in the subsequent structural examples).

[0037] Figure 3 In the structural example shown in (B), the high beam unit 30 and the low beam unit 31 are integrally constructed, configured such that the unit itself can move within the housing of the headlight 14R along with the low beam unit 31. A specific structural example is similar to the one described above, where a light source, a track, and an actuator are used to slide the integrated high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31. This allows the high beam unit 30 to move between the inside and outside of the vehicle as shown in the diagram.

[0038] Figure 3 In the structural example shown in (C), the high beam unit 30 and the low beam unit 31 are arranged together inside the housing of the headlight 14R, configured to allow the position of the entire housing of the headlight 14R to move between the inside and outside of the vehicle as shown in the figure. Specific structural examples are the same as described above; examples using a light source, a track, and an actuator to slide the entire housing of the headlight 14R can be cited.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view illustrating other structural examples of a high beam unit capable of shifting the illumination position of the high beam. In the above... Figure 3 The high beam unit 30 illustrated in (A) is a structure in which the high beam unit 30 moves itself by mechanical means, but Figure 4The illustrated high beam unit 30 allows the illumination position of the high beam 50 to be moved by variably setting the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 40. That is, it is a structure that simulates the movement of the high beam unit 30 in appearance.

[0040] In detail, the illustrated high beam unit 30 is configured to include: a light source 40 that emits light; a reflector 41 that is obliquely disposed in the optical path of the light from the light source 40; and a reflector 42 disposed at a position where the reflected light from the reflector 41 can enter. Furthermore, the reflector 41 is configured to be movable to switch between being disposed in the optical path of the light from the light source 40 and not being disposed in that optical path. Light emitted from the light source 40 is reflected by the reflector 41 and enters the reflector 42, and is then reflected by the reflector 42 and emitted to the outside of the high beam unit 30 (see optical path P1 in the figure). Alternatively, when the reflector 41 is not disposed in the optical path, light emitted from the light source 40 is not reflected by the reflector 41 and is emitted to the outside of the high beam unit 30 (see optical path P2 in the figure). By configuring it in this way to switch optical paths P1 and P2, the illumination position of the high beam 50 can be moved. In addition, here, as an example of an optical element that can switch optical paths, reflectors 41 and 42 are shown, but the structure of the optical element is not limited as long as it can switch optical paths.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of operations of the headlight system. Furthermore, the order of the processes shown here can be rearranged as long as there are no contradictions or mismatches in the results of information processing. Additionally, other processes not shown here can be added.

[0042] When the headlight switch 12 is turned on (step S11; Yes), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state in such a way that the low beam is turned on (step S12). By outputting a control signal from the light distribution control unit 21 according to the set illumination state, the low beam is irradiated from the low beam unit 31 of each headlight 14L, 14R.

[0043] When the rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 meets the specified weather conditions (step S13; Yes), the light distribution movement control unit 22 performs control to move at least the illumination position of the high beam unit 30 of the headlight 14R located relatively close to the driver's seat (step S14).

[0044] Here, weather conditions, such as rainfall exceeding 20 mm / h (heavy rain), can be defined as meeting weather conditions. Weather conditions can be determined based on raindrop diameter, or based on both rainfall and raindrop diameter.

[0045] Furthermore, the control method for moving the illumination position of the illumination light varies depending on the specific structure of the high beam unit 30. For example, if it is as described above... Figure 3 The structure shown in (A) causes the high beam unit 30 to move from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. If it is... Figure 3 The structure shown in (B) moves the high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31 from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. If it is Figure 3 The structure shown in (C) causes the headlight 14R, which includes the high beam unit 30 and the low beam unit 31, to move from the inside to the outside of the vehicle. If it is Figure 4 The structure shown places the reflector 41 in the optical path of the light source 40 so that the light emitted from the light source travels along the optical path P1.

[0046] Next, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to enable high beam illumination (step S15). Based on this set illumination state, a control signal is output from the light distribution control unit 21 to illuminate the high beam from the high beam units 30 of each headlight 14L, 14R. Selective high beam (adaptive drive beam) can also be used.

[0047] When the rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 does not meet the specified weather conditions (step S16; Yes), the light distribution movement control unit 22 controls the light to return the illumination position of the high beam unit 30 of the headlight 14R, which is located relatively close to the driver's seat, to its original position (step S17).

[0048] For example, if it is the above Figure 3 The structure shown in (A) causes the high beam unit 30 to move from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. If it is... Figure 3 The structure shown in (B) moves the high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31 from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. If it is... Figure 3 The structure shown in (C) causes the headlight 14R, including the high beam unit 30 and the low beam unit 31, to move from the outside to the inside of the vehicle. If it is Figure 4 The structure shown excludes the reflector 41 from the light path of the light source 40, so that the light emitted from the light source travels along the light path P2.

[0049] Next, the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to enable high beam illumination (step S18). Based on this set illumination state, the light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal to illuminate the high beam from the high beam units 30 of each headlight 14L, 14R. Selective high beam (adaptive drive beam) can also be used. Afterwards, the process returns to step S11.

[0050] If the headlight switch 12 is off (step S11; no), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state so that the headlights (high beam and low beam) are turned off (step S19). Based on this set illumination state, the light distribution control unit 21 outputs a control signal, and the high beam unit 30 and low beam unit 31 of each headlight 14L and 14R are turned off. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0051] On the other hand, if the weather conditions are not met in step S13 (step S13; No), the illumination state setting unit 20 sets the illumination state to enable high beam illumination (step S20). Based on this set illumination state, a control signal is output from the light distribution control unit 21 to illuminate the high beam from the high beam units 30 of each headlight 14L, 14R. Selective high beam (adaptive drive beam) can also be illuminated. Afterwards, the process returns to step S11.

[0052] Additionally, if the weather conditions are met in step S16 (step S16; no), return to step S11. In this case, after steps S14 and S15, continue irradiation with high beams while the irradiation position of the irradiated light is shifted. Then, return to step S11.

[0053] According to the above-described embodiment, the visual visibility in front of a vehicle can be improved during rain or other conditions.

[0054] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in the embodiments described above, the illumination position of the high beam (including selective high beam) is variably set, but the illumination position of the low beam can also be changed in the same way. Furthermore, the illumination positions of both the high beam and the low beam can also be changed.

[0055] In addition, in the above embodiment, the illumination positions of the high beam and low beam (hereinafter referred to as "high beam, etc.") of the headlight 14R on the side closer to the driver's seat are variably set, but the illumination positions of the high beam, etc. of the headlight 14L on the side farther from the driver's seat can also be changed, and the illumination positions of the high beam, etc. of the headlights 14R and 14L can also be changed.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the illumination position of the high beams, etc., is moved in the width direction of the vehicle; however, the illumination position of the high beams, etc., can also be moved in the height direction of the vehicle. In this case, for example, Figure 6 As shown, the headlights 14L (14R) can be configured such that the high beam unit 30 can slide between the upper and lower sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, the above-described method can also be used. Figure 3 (B) Figure 3 (C) Figure 4The illustrated headlight 14L (14R) has such a structure. This structure and control method are particularly suitable for vehicles with a high driver's seat, such as large vehicles. That is, by relatively lowering the illumination position of the high beam, etc., in rainy weather, it can be used in conjunction with... Figure 2 The same principle applies to (B), which can further shorten the overlap between the illumination range of high beams and the passenger's line of sight E.

[0057] In addition, in the above embodiments, as an example of a weather detection unit for detecting rainy days, a raindrop sensor capable of detecting rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) is listed. However, a communication device capable of obtaining information such as rainfall at the current location of the vehicle from an external system via wireless communication can also be used to construct the weather detection unit.

[0058] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments envision a driver's seat positioned on the right side of the vehicle, the present disclosure can also be applied when the driver's seat is positioned on the left side.

[0059] This disclosure has the following features.

[0060] (Note 1)

[0061] A headlight system, wherein, The headlight system includes: The headlight is configured to move the position of the illuminating light and is installed on the vehicle. A controller, connected to the headlights, and controlling the operation of the headlights; and A weather detection unit, connected to the controller, detects the weather at the vehicle's current location. When the weather detected by the weather detection unit is a rainy day that meets the prescribed criteria, the controller controls the headlights to move the position of the illumination light to a position relatively closer to the outer and / or lower side of the vehicle compared to before the movement.

[0062] (Note 2)

[0063] According to the headlight system described in Appendix 1, wherein, Before and after the irradiation position is moved, the optical axis of the irradiation light is approximately parallel.

[0064] (Note 3)

[0065] According to the headlight system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein, The headlights are positioned on the side closest to the driver's seat of the vehicle.

[0066] (Note 4)

[0067] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the headlight system wherein, The illumination light is high beam or selective high beam.

[0068] (Note 5)

[0069] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the headlight system wherein, The illumination light is near light.

[0070] (Note 6)

[0071] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, the headlight system wherein, The headlight has a light source unit configured to be positionally variable within a housing. The controller moves the illumination position of the illumination light by controlling the position of the light source unit.

[0072] (Note 7)

[0073] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, the headlight system wherein, The headlights are configured such that the position of the headlight assembly is variable. The controller moves the position of the illumination light by controlling the overall position of the headlight.

[0074] (Note 8)

[0075] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, the headlight system wherein, The headlight has a light source and optical elements, the optical elements being configured to switch the light path emitted from the light source. The controller switches the optical path by controlling the optical element, thereby moving the illumination position of the illumination light.

[0076] (Note 9)

[0077] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, the headlight system wherein, The rainy day refers to a situation where the rainfall is above the first benchmark value and / or the raindrop diameter is above the second benchmark value.

[0078] (Postscript 10)

[0079] According to the headlight system described in Appendix 9, wherein... The weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the rainfall and / or the diameter of the raindrops.

[0080] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0081] 10: Controller; 11: Camera; 12: Headlight switch; 13: Rain sensor; 14R, 14L: Headlights; 20: Illumination state setting unit; 21: Light distribution control unit; 22: Light distribution movement control unit; 30: High beam unit; 31: Low beam unit.

Claims

1. A headlight system, wherein, The headlight system includes: The headlight is configured to move the position of the illuminating light and is installed on the vehicle. A controller, connected to the headlights, and controlling the operation of the headlights; and A weather detection unit, connected to the controller, detects the weather at the vehicle's current location. When the weather detected by the weather detection unit is a rainy day that meets the prescribed criteria, the controller controls the headlights to move the position of the illumination light to a position relatively closer to the outer and / or lower side of the vehicle compared to before the movement.

2. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, Before and after the irradiation position is moved, the optical axis of the irradiation light is approximately parallel.

3. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The headlights are positioned on the side closest to the driver's seat of the vehicle.

4. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The illumination light is high beam or selective high beam.

5. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The illumination light is near light.

6. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The headlight has a light source unit configured to be positionally variable within a housing. The controller moves the illumination position of the illumination light by controlling the position of the light source unit.

7. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The headlights are configured such that the position of the headlight assembly is variable. The controller moves the position of the illumination light by controlling the overall position of the headlight.

8. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The headlight has a light source and optical elements, the optical elements being configured to switch the light path emitted from the light source. The controller switches the optical path by controlling the optical element, thereby moving the illumination position of the illumination light.

9. The headlight system according to claim 1, wherein, The rainy day refers to a situation where the rainfall is above the first benchmark value and / or the raindrop diameter is above the second benchmark value.

10. The headlight system according to claim 9, wherein, The weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the rainfall and / or the diameter of the raindrops.

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