Vehicular lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture which does not require a reflection plate (reflection surface) dedicated to light (and return light of the same) for detection object detection and an installation space of the same, and which can be miniaturized.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10 includes: a first light source 20; a first reflection surface 31 designed so as to form a first light distribution pattern for vehicular lighting fixture by reflecting visible light emitted by the first light source; a LiDAR device 50 having a second light source 51 for emitting light Ray 2 for detection object detection which is transmitted to a first detection region, and a light receiving element 54 for outputting an electric signal according to return light intensity, in the case where return light enters which is reflection light for detection object detection reflected by the detection object; a reflection surface 32 designed to reflect the light for detection object detection emitted by the second light source so as to be transmitted to a second detection range wider than the first detection range; and a reflector 30 where the reflection surface 31 and the reflection surface 32 are formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle lamp, and more particularly to a vehicle lamp that can be miniaturized and does not require space to install a reflector (reflective surface) that reflects light (and its return light) transmitted from a LiDAR device for detecting a detection target (for example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle). [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a LiDAR device that is installed so that it cannot be seen from outside the vehicle, and a vehicle lamp that has a reflector (reflective surface) that reflects light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device for detecting objects to be detected (for example, preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 203177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the vehicle lamp described in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a dedicated reflector (reflective surface) to reflect the light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device for detecting targets (for example, preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles), which increases the number of parts and causes costs to rise.In addition, space must be secured for the installation of the dedicated reflector (reflective surface), which makes it difficult to reduce the size of the vehicle lamp.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a vehicle lamp that can be made compact and does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to light (and its return light) for detecting an object to be detected (for example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle), or the installation space required for the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle lamp according to the present disclosure includes a LiDAR device having a first light source that emits visible light, a first reflective surface for the vehicle lamp designed to reflect the visible light emitted by the first light source to form a first light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp, a second light source that emits light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted to a first detection range, and a light receiving element that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of returned light when returned light, which is reflected light of the light for detecting the detection target that is reflected by the detection target, is incident on the vehicle lamp, a reflective surface for the LiDAR device designed to reflect the light for detecting the detection target emitted by the second light source and transmit it to a second detection range that is wider than the first detection range, and a reflector on which the reflective surface for the vehicle lamp and the reflective surface for the LiDAR device are formed.

[0007] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can be made compact, eliminating the need for a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light (and its return light) sent from the LiDAR device for detecting objects to be detected (for example, preceding vehicles, oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles) and the space required to install it.

[0008] This is because, instead of installing a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device for detecting the detection target as in Patent Document 1, a reflector (one reflector) is used in which a reflective surface for the vehicle lamp and a reflective surface for the LiDAR device are formed.

[0009] In the above-described vehicle lamp, the LiDAR device may include a MEMS mirror that reflects the light for detecting the detection target so that the light for detecting the detection target scans the first detection range.

[0010] In the above-described vehicle lamp, the first reflecting surface for the vehicle lamp and the reflecting surface for the LiDAR device may be formed inside the outer shape of the reflector in a front view.

[0011] In the above vehicle lamp, the reflector may have a circular outer shape when viewed from the front.

[0012] In the above-described vehicle lamp, the reflective surface for LiDAR may be designed so that the light for detecting the detection object reflected by the reflective surface for LiDAR is diffused in a horizontal direction.

[0013] In addition, in the above-mentioned vehicle lamp, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface for the LiDAR device may be approximately parabolic, with its focal point located near the MEMS mirror, and the radius of curvature of the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface for the LiDAR device may be larger than the radius of curvature of the vertical cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface for the LiDAR device.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the reflective surface for the LiDAR device may include a plurality of reflective areas formed by partitioning the reflective surface for the LiDAR device, and each of the reflective areas may be designed as a convex or concave surface so that the light for detecting the detection target, which is emitted by the second light source and reflected by the reflective area, is diffused in the horizontal direction.

[0015] In addition, in the above-described vehicle lamp, a through hole may be formed in the reflector, and the reflector may further include a holding member that holds the first light source and the LiDAR device, and the holding member may be positioned in a state where it is inserted into the through hole.

[0016] The above-described vehicle lamp may further include a third light source that emits visible light, and a second reflecting surface for the vehicle lamp that is designed to reflect the visible light emitted by the third light source to form a second light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp, wherein the holding member has a triangular prism shape, and the first light source, the LiDAR device, and the third light source may each be fixed to a surface that constitutes a side surface of the triangular prism shape.

[0017] In the above vehicle lamp, the holding member may be a heat sink.

[0018] Moreover, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the LiDAR device may further include a reflective member disposed behind the reflector, which reflects the light for detecting the detection target, which is emitted by the second light source and passes through the through hole, toward a reflective surface for the LiDAR device.

[0019] In the above vehicle lamp, the reflecting member may be a mirror or a prism.

[0020] In the above vehicle lamp, the reflecting member may be a light-collecting reflecting surface, and the light reflected by the light-collecting reflecting surface may cross and travel toward a reflecting surface for the LiDAR device.

[0021] In addition, the above-mentioned vehicle lamp may further include a signal processing unit that calculates the distance to the detection target based on the electrical signal output by the light receiving element and outputs the angle of the detection target and the distance to the detection target, a memory unit that stores correction data, and a correction unit that corrects the angle of the detection target output by the signal processing unit based on the correction data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can be miniaturized and does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to light (and its return light) for detecting an object to be detected (for example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle) and does not require installation space for the reflector (reflective surface). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. [Figure 3] 2A is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line B1-B1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line C1-C1 of FIG. [Figure 4] (a) is an example of the (original) detection range (first detection range A1) of the LiDAR device 50 itself, and (b) is an example of a second detection range A2 that is wider than the first detection range A1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a LiDAR device 50. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 (LiDAR device 50). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10A according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle lamp 10A taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 7 is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line B2-B2 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line C1-C1 of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10B according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10C according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A3-A3 in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 10(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 10D according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10E according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle V1 equipped with vehicle lamps 10 (10C, 10E). [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle V2 on which a vehicle lamp 10A (10D) is mounted. [Figure 18]FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle V3 on which a vehicle lamp 10B is mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] First Embodiment A vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in the various drawings are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment is a headlamp with a built-in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device that functions as a low-beam headlamp and is mounted on each of the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle V1, such as an automobile. FIG. 16 is a front view of a vehicle V1 equipped with vehicle lamps 10 (10C, 10E). As shown in FIG. 16, in addition to a low-beam headlamp (vehicle lamp 10), a high-beam headlamp 100 is also mounted on the front end of the vehicle V1. That is, the vehicle lamp 10 constitutes a part of a four-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type four-lamp headlamp). Since the vehicle lamps 10 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the following description will be limited to the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle V1 (the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle). Note that an existing high-beam headlamp can be used for the high-beam headlamp 100, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line A1-A1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line B1-B1 in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line C1-C1 in Fig. 1. Note that the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a first light source 20, a reflector 30, a heat sink 40, and a LiDAR device 50 (LiDAR unit or LiDAR module). The vehicle lamp 10 is disposed in a lamp chamber 80 formed by an outer lens 60 and a housing 70, and is fixed to the housing 70, etc. In Fig. 2, reference numeral 90 indicates an extension. The extension 90 is a decorative member that covers and conceals the internal structure of the vehicle lamp 10 (such as the LiDAR device 50) so that it cannot be seen from the outside.

[0029] The first light source 20 is a light source that emits visible light (e.g., white light). Specifically, the first light source 20 is a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED mounted on a substrate. The first light source 20 has a light-emitting surface. The light-emitting surface is, for example, a rectangular light-emitting surface measuring 1 mm on each side. The substrate on which the first light source 20 is mounted is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with the light-emitting surface facing upward. Hereinafter, the visible light emitted by the first light source 20 will be referred to as light Ray1.

[0030] 1, the outer shape of the reflector 30 is circular when viewed from the front, mainly for design reasons. However, the outer shape of the reflector 30 may be various shapes other than circular (for example, a polygonal shape such as a rectangle, or an ellipse) in consideration of the design of the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp 10 is mounted. A first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and a reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device are formed on the surface of the reflector 30 facing the front of the vehicle. The first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device are formed, for example, by applying aluminum vapor deposition or the like to a reflector base material molded from bulk molding compound (BMC), which is a thermosetting resin.

[0031] The first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device are formed inside the outline of the reflector 30 in a front view (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp is formed at the upper part of the inside of the outline of the reflector 30, while the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device is formed at the lower part of the inside of the outline of the reflector 30. In FIG. 1, symbols L1 and L2 indicate the boundary lines between the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device. The boundary line L1 corresponds to the oblique cutoff line of a low-beam light distribution pattern (not shown). On the other hand, the boundary line L2 corresponds to the horizontal cutoff line of the low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0032] A through hole 30a into which the heat sink 40 is inserted is formed in the center of the reflector 30. The through hole 30a penetrates from the front surface of the reflector 30 on the vehicle front side, on which the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device are formed, to the rear surface on the opposite side.

[0033] The first reflecting surface 31 for a vehicle lamp is designed to reflect the light Ray1 emitted by the first light source 20 to form a low beam light distribution pattern. The low beam light distribution pattern is an example of the first light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp of the present disclosure. For example, the first reflecting surface 31 for a vehicle lamp is a reflecting surface of a paraboloid of revolution system, and its focal point F 31 (See FIGS. 2 and 3(a)) is located near the first light source 20.

[0034] 3(a), light Ray1 emitted from the first light source 20 is reflected by the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and irradiated forward, thereby forming a light distribution pattern for low beam.

[0035] The reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device is designed to reflect the laser light Ray2 (light for detecting the detection target) transmitted by the LiDAR device 50 (emitted by the second light source 51) and transmit it to a second detection range that is wider than the first detection range. The first detection range and the second detection range will now be described. Fig. 4(a) shows an example of the (original) detection range (first detection range A1) of the LiDAR device 50 itself, and Fig. 4(b) shows an example of the second detection range A2 that is wider than the first detection range A1.

[0036] The first detection range A1 is a detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has, and as shown in FIG. 4(a), the horizontal spread angle is θ H1 (horizontal viewing angle) and vertical spreading angle are θ V1 (horizontal viewing angle). For example, the angle θ H1 is 20~30°, angle θ V1 is 1 to 10°. For example, the horizontal resolution is 0.5°, the vertical resolution is 0.5°, and the detection (measurement) distance is 100 to 200 m. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the second detection range A2 has a horizontal spread angle of θ H2 (horizontal viewing angle) and vertical spreading angle are θ V2 (horizontal viewing angle). For example, the angle θ H2 is 90 to 120°, angle θ V2 is 1 to 10°.

[0037] The reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device is, for example, a reflecting surface of a paraboloid of revolution. For example, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device is approximately a paraboloid, and its focal point F 32 (See FIG. 2) is located near the MEMS mirror 53a. On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32 is not a parabolic surface, but is designed so that the light Ray2 reflected by the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32 is diffused in the horizontal direction (See FIG. 3(b)). For example, the curvature radius of the cross-sectional shape of the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32 is designed to be larger than the curvature radius of the vertical cross-sectional shape of the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32. This allows the LiDAR device 50 to have a horizontal spread angle θ H1The light Ray2 transmitted to the range (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 4(b)) is reflected by the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device, and the horizontal spread angle θ H2 (see Figures 3(b) and 4(b)) and is irradiated forward. The reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device may be a free-form surface, or may include a plurality of reflective areas formed by dividing the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device (for example, dividing it into a grid pattern). Each reflective area is designed as a convex or concave surface so that the light Ray2 reflected by the reflective area is diffused in the horizontal direction (so-called multi-reflector).

[0038] The heat sink 40 includes a base and heat dissipation fins. Note that the heat dissipation fins may be omitted. The heat sink 40 holds the LiDAR device 50 and a substrate on which the first light source 20 is mounted (see FIG. 2). The substrate on which the first light source 20 is mounted is held (fixed) on the upper surface of the heat sink 40 with its light-emitting surface facing upward. Meanwhile, the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) is held (fixed) on the lower surface of the heat sink 40 with an opening 55a through which the laser light Ray2 and its return light Ray3 pass facing downward. The heat sink 40 is an example of a holding member of the present disclosure. The heat sink 40 is inserted into a through-hole 30a formed in the reflector 30 and is arranged in a state where it is fixed to a housing 70 or the like (see FIG. 2). In this state, the first light source 20 is aligned with the focal point F of the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp. 31 The MEMS mirror 53a of the LiDAR device 50 is arranged adjacent to the focal point F of the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device. 32 is located nearby.

[0039] The LiDAR device 50 has the functions of transmitting (irradiating) laser light, which is light for detecting a detection target (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle), within a first detection range A1 (the detection range inherent to the LiDAR device 50; see FIG. 4(a)), receiving return light, which is reflected light of the laser light reflected by the detection target, and measuring the distance to the measurement target based on the time between transmitting the laser light and receiving the return light. As shown in FIG. 2, the LiDAR device 50 includes a second light source 51, a beam splitter 52, an optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), a light-receiving element 54, and a case 55 that houses these components. Note that a lens that focuses (collimates) the laser light emitted by the second light source 51 may be provided between the second light source 51 and the beam splitter 52. The case 55 has an opening 55a formed therein through which the laser light emitted by the second light source 51 and its return light pass. As the LiDAR device 50, for example, the one described in International Publication No. 2020 / 145095 can be used.

[0040] The second light source 51 is a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a laser diode (LD) that emits laser light. The laser light emitted by the second light source 51 is an example of light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted (irradiated) to (scans the first detection range A1) within a first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see FIG. 4(a)). Hereinafter, the laser light emitted by the second light source 51 will be referred to as laser light Ray2. Furthermore, the return light that is the reflected light of the laser light Ray2 reflected by the detection target will be referred to as return light Ray3. The emission wavelength of the second light source 51 is, for example, infrared light of 905 to 1500 nm. The second light source 51 emits the laser light Ray2 (in pulses) under the control of the light source control unit 50a.

[0041] The laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 passes through the beam splitter 52 and enters the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a).

[0042] The optical deflector 53 includes a MEMS mirror 53a that reflects the laser light Ray2 so that the laser light Ray2 scans the first detection range A1 (see FIG. 4(a)) two-dimensionally (in the horizontal and vertical directions). The MEMS mirror 53a is swung around two mutually orthogonal axes (for example, the horizontal and vertical axes) under control of a mirror control unit 50b (described later) so that the laser light Ray2 that is incident on and reflected by the MEMS mirror 53a scans the first detection range A1 (see FIG. 4(a)) two-dimensionally (in the horizontal and vertical directions).

[0043] As a result, the second light source 51 emits light, and the laser light Ray2 passes through the beam splitter 52 and enters the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), where it is transmitted (irradiated) to the first detection range A1 (see Figure 4(a)) (scanning the first detection range A1 two-dimensionally).

[0044] Return light Ray3, which is the reflected light of laser light Ray2 reflected by the detection target, returns to the LiDAR device 50 along the same optical path as laser light Ray2, is split (reflected) by beam splitter 52 toward the light receiving element 54, and enters the light receiving element 54. Note that in Figures 2, 3(b), etc., return light Ray3 is depicted with a dotted arrow offset from laser light Ray2 for ease of understanding, but in reality, the optical paths of return light Ray3 and laser light Ray2 are the same.

[0045] When return light Ray3, which is reflected light of the laser light Ray2 reflected by the detection target, is incident on the light receiving element 54, the light receiving element 54 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the return light Ray3. The light receiving element 54 is, for example, a photodiode or a SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode). The electrical signal output by the light receiving element 54 is input to a signal processing unit 50c, which will be described later.

[0046] The LiDAR device 50 (case 55) configured as described above is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with the opening 55a, through which the laser light Ray2 and its return light Ray3 pass, facing downward (see FIG. 2).

[0047] In the vehicle lamp 10 configured as described above, the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 passes through the beam splitter 52, is reflected by the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), and is further reflected by the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device, thereby increasing the emission angle (particularly the horizontal emission angle) and transmitting (irradiating) the laser light Ray2 to a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)) that is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see FIG. 4(a)) (the second detection range A2 is scanned two-dimensionally).

[0048] Next, the function of the LiDAR device 50 will be described.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the LiDAR device 50.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the LiDAR device 50 includes a control unit 56, a memory 57, and a storage unit 58. The control unit 56 includes, for example, a processor (not shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). There may be one processor or multiple processors. The processor functions as a light source control unit 50a, a mirror control unit 50b, a signal processing unit 50c, and a correction unit 50d by executing a predetermined program (not shown) loaded from a non-volatile storage unit 58 such as a flash ROM to the memory 57 (for example, a RAM). Some or all of these may be realized by hardware.

[0051] The light source control unit 50a controls the second light source 51 to emit light in a pulsed manner.

[0052] The mirror control unit 50b controls the laser light Ray2 incident on and reflected from the MEMS mirror 53a to scan the first detection range A1 (the detection range originally possessed by the LiDAR device 50; see FIG. 4(a)) two-dimensionally (in the horizontal and vertical directions) at a measurement point (for example, in the horizontal direction N H pieces, vertical N V The optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a) is controlled so as to scan the measurement points.

[0053] The signal processing unit 50c calculates the distance (distance to the measurement point) associated with the angular direction of the detection object (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) for each measurement point based on the time from when the laser light Ray2 is transmitted until when the return light Ray3 is received, and outputs the angular direction (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) and distance (distance to the measurement point) of the detection object. This output angular direction of the detection object (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) is corrected by the correction unit 50d as described below, and then stored in the memory 57 or the storage unit 58 together with the distance (distance to the measurement point), and is used to detect the detection object (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, a motorcycle).

[0054] The correction unit 50d corrects the angular direction of the detection target (for example, the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) output by the signal processing unit 50c based on the correction data 58a. The correction data 58a is stored in the storage unit 58, for example.

[0055] The technical significance of correcting the angular direction of the detection target (for example, the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) is as follows: The laser light Ray2 that is incident on and reflected by the MEMS mirror 53a is reflected by the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device, and is therefore actually transmitted not within the first detection range A1 but into a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)), which is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see FIG. 4(a)).

[0056] Therefore, for example, laser light Ray2 that is intended to be transmitted in a specific angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ, specific elevation angle φ) is reflected by the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device and is actually transmitted in an angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ + Δθ, elevation angle φ + Δφ) different from the specific angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ, specific elevation angle φ).

[0057] Therefore, the correction unit 50d corrects the specific angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ) output by the signal processing unit 50c based on correction data, such as azimuth angle θ + Δθ and elevation angle φ + Δφ. Δθ and Δφ are examples of correction data. The correction data (Δθ, Δφ) can be calculated in advance by tracing rays for each angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle, elevation angle) using predetermined simulation software, and stored in the storage unit 58.

[0058] Next, an example of the operation of the vehicle lamp 10 (LiDAR device 50) will be described.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the vehicle lamp 10 (LiDAR device 50).

[0060] First, a laser beam Ray2 is transmitted (step S10). This is achieved by the light source control unit 50a controlling the second light source 51 to emit light in pulses. The laser beam Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 passes through the beam splitter 52, is reflected by the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), and is further reflected by the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device, thereby increasing the emission angle (particularly the horizontal emission angle). The laser beam Ray2 is then transmitted (irradiated) to a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)) that is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range originally possessed by the LiDAR device 50; see FIG. 4(a)) (the second detection range A2 is scanned two-dimensionally).

[0061] Next, the return light Ray3 is received (step S11). That is, the return light Ray3, which is the reflected light of the laser light Ray2 transmitted in step S10 and reflected by the detection target, returns to the LiDAR device 50 along the same optical path as the laser light Ray2, is split (reflected) by the beam splitter 52 toward the light receiving element 54, and is incident on the light receiving element 54. When the return light Ray3 is incident on the light receiving element 54, the light receiving element 54 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the return light Ray3.

[0062] Next, the distance to the detection target is calculated (step S12). This is achieved by the signal processing unit 50c. The signal processing unit 50c calculates the distance (distance to the measurement point) associated with the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) for each measurement point based on the time from when the laser light Ray2 is transmitted to when the return light Ray3 is received, and outputs the angular direction (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) and the distance (distance to the measurement point) of the detection target.

[0063] Next, the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) output by the signal processing unit 50c in step S12 is corrected (step S13). This is achieved by the correction unit 50d. The correction unit 50d corrects the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) output by the signal processing unit 50c in step S12 based on the correction data 58a.

[0064] Next, the angular direction of the detection object corrected in step S13 (for example, the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) and the distance calculated in step S12 are stored in memory 57 or storage unit 58. The stored angular direction and distance of the detection object are used to detect the detection object (for example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle).

[0065] As described above, according to the first embodiment, a vehicle lamp (low beam headlamp) used as part of a four-lamp headlamp (reflector-type four-lamp headlamp) can be provided, which does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light for detecting the detection target (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device 50 and does not require installation space for the reflector, and can be made compact.

[0066] This is because, instead of installing a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device for detecting the detection target as in Patent Document 1, a reflector (one reflector) is used in which a reflective surface for the vehicle lamp and a reflective surface for the LiDAR device are formed.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 (laser light Ray2 scanned by the MEMS mirror 53a) is reflected by the reflecting surface 31 and transmitted to a second detection range A2 (see Figure 4(b)) which is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see Figure 4(a)). Therefore, the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has (the first detection range A1) can be expanded (particularly in the horizontal direction) to the second detection range A2.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the signal processing unit 50c is provided with a correction unit 50d that corrects the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) based on the correction data 58a. Therefore, even if the detection range (first detection range A1) originally possessed by the LiDAR device 50 is expanded to the second detection range A2 as described above, the detection target can be properly detected. Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle lamp 10A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10A of the second embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along A2-A2 of the vehicle lamp 10A of Fig. 7. Fig. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view (schematic view) taken along B2-B2 of Fig. 7, and Fig. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view (schematic view) taken along C1-C1 of Fig. 7. Note that the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted from Figs. 7 to 9.

[0070] The vehicle lamp 10A of the second embodiment is a headlamp with an integrated LiDAR device that functions as a high-beam headlamp and is mounted on each of the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle V2, such as an automobile. FIG. 17 is a front view of a vehicle V2 equipped with a vehicle lamp 10A (10D). As shown in FIG. 17, in addition to a high-beam headlamp (vehicle lamp 10A), a low-beam headlamp 200 is also mounted on the front end of the vehicle V2. That is, the vehicle lamp 10A constitutes part of a four-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type four-lamp headlamp). The vehicle lamps 10A mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, the vehicle lamp 10A mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle V2 (the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) will be described as a representative.

[0071] The vehicular lamp 10A of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment except for the following differences compared to the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0072] First, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the substrate on which the first light source 20 (light source for low beam) is mounted is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its light-emitting surface facing upward, and the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its opening 55a through which the laser light Ray2 and its return light Ray3 pass facing downward (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In contrast, in the vehicle lamp 10A of the second embodiment, the substrate on which the third light source 21 (light source for high beam) is mounted is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its light-emitting surface facing downward, and the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its opening 55a through which the laser light Ray2 and its return light Ray3 pass facing upward (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The third light source 21 is a light source similar to the first light source 20. Hereinafter, the visible light emitted by the third light source 21 will be referred to as light Ray4.

[0073] Secondly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp (reflective surface for low beam) is formed on the inside upper part of the outer shape of the reflector 30, while the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device is formed on the inside lower part of the outer shape of the reflector 30 (see Figure 1), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10A of the second embodiment, the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp (reflective surface for high beam) is formed on the inside lower part of the outer shape of the reflector 30, while the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device is formed on the inside upper part of the outer shape of the reflector 30 (see Figure 7).

[0074] The second reflecting surface 33 for a vehicle lamp is designed to reflect the light Ray4 emitted by the third light source 21 to form a high beam light distribution pattern. For example, the second reflecting surface 33 for a vehicle lamp is a reflecting surface of a paraboloid of revolution system, and its focal point F 33 (See Figures 8 and 9(b)) is located near the third light source 21. The second reflective surface 33 for a vehicle lamp may be a free-form surface, or may include a plurality of reflective areas 33b (see Figure 9(b)) formed by dividing the second reflective surface 33 for a vehicle lamp (for example, dividing it into a grid pattern). Each reflective area 33b is designed as a convex or concave surface so that the light Ray4 reflected by the reflective area 33b is diffused in the horizontal direction (so-called multi-reflector).

[0075] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment. That is, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp 10A that is a vehicle lamp (high beam headlamp) used as part of a four-lamp headlamp (reflector-type four-lamp headlamp), does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light for detecting the detection target (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device 50, and does not require an installation space for the reflector, and can be made compact. Third Embodiment Next, a vehicle lamp 10B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0076] Fig. 10 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10B according to the third embodiment, in which the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted.

[0077] The vehicle lamp 10B of the third embodiment is a headlamp with an integrated LiDAR device that functions as both a low beam and a high beam headlamp, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle V3 such as an automobile. Fig. 18 is a front view of a vehicle V3 equipped with the vehicle lamp 10B. As shown in Fig. 18, the vehicle lamp 10B constitutes a part of a dual-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type dual-lamp headlamp). Since the vehicle lamps 10B mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the vehicle lamp 10B mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle V3 (the left side when facing the front of the vehicle) will be described below as a representative.

[0078] The vehicular lamp 10B of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment except for the following differences compared to the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment, and the same components as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate.

[0079] First, the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment is provided with a first light source 20 that emits visible light (for example, white light), whereas the vehicle lamp 10B of the third embodiment is provided with a third light source 21 that emits visible light (for example, white light) in addition to the first light source 20. The third light source 21 is a light source similar to the first light source 20.

[0080] Secondly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, a first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp (a reflective surface for low beam) and a reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device are formed on the surface of the reflector 30 on the vehicle front side (see FIG. 1), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10B of the third embodiment, in addition to the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device, a second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp (a reflective surface for high beam) is also formed on the surface of the reflector 30 on the vehicle front side. Note that the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp has already been explained in the second embodiment, so explanation thereof will be omitted. 10, the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp, the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp, and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device are arranged in this order clockwise, but this is not limiting, and the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp, the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp, and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device may be arranged in any order. Furthermore, the central angle of each of the first reflective surface 31 for the vehicle lamp, the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp, and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device is 120°, but this is not limiting, and any appropriate central angle may be used.

[0081] Thirdly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the heat sink 40 has an upper surface to which the board on which the first light source 20 (light source for low beam) is mounted is fixed and a lower surface to which the LiDAR device 50 is fixed (see FIG. 2), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10B of the third embodiment, the heat sink 40 has a triangular prism shape whose side surfaces are made up of a surface to which the board on which the first light source 20 is mounted is fixed, a surface to which the board on which the third light source 21 (light source for high beam) is mounted is fixed, and a surface to which the LiDAR device 50 is fixed (see FIG. 10).

[0082] Fourth, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the heat sink 40 is inserted into the through hole 30a formed in the reflector 30, and the first light source 20 is positioned at the focal point F of the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp. 31 The MEMS mirror 53a of the LiDAR device 50 is arranged adjacent to the focal point F of the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device. 32In contrast to the vehicle lamp 10B of the third embodiment, the heat sink 40 is inserted into a through hole 30a formed in the reflector 30, and the first light source 20 is positioned at a focal point F of the first reflecting surface 31 of the vehicle lamp. 31 The third light source 21 is arranged near the focal point F of the second reflecting surface 33 for the vehicle lamp. 33 The MEMS mirror 53a of the LiDAR device 50 is arranged near the focal point F of the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device. 32 The sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the housing 70 and is fixed to the housing 70 or the like.

[0083] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment. That is, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp 10B that is a vehicle lamp (a headlamp for both low beam and high beam) used as part of a dual-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type dual-lamp headlamp), does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light for detecting the detection target (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device 50, and does not require an installation space therefor, and can be made compact. <Fourth embodiment> Next, a vehicle lamp 10C according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0084] Fig. 11 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10C according to a fourth embodiment. Note that the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted from Fig. 11. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A3-A3 in Fig. 11.

[0085] The vehicle lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment is a headlamp with an integrated LiDAR device that functions as a headlamp for both low beam and high beam, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle V1 such as an automobile. As shown in FIG. 16, the front end of the vehicle V1 is equipped with a headlamp for both low beam and high beam (vehicle lamp 10C) as well as a high beam headlamp 100. That is, the vehicle lamp 10C constitutes a part of a four-lamp headlamp (reflector-type four-lamp headlamp). The vehicle lamps 10C mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, the vehicle lamp 10C mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle V1 (left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) will be described as a representative. The vehicular lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment except for the following differences compared to the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment, and the same components as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate.

[0086] First, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) is fixed to the underside of the heat sink 40 (see Figures 1 and 2), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment, instead of the LiDAR device 50 (case 55), a board on which a third light source 21 (light source for high beam) is mounted is fixed to the underside of the heat sink 40 with its light-emitting surface facing downward (see Figures 11 and 12).

[0087] Secondly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, a reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device is formed on the lower inside of the outer shape of the reflector 30 (see Figure 1), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment, a second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp (a reflective surface for high beams) is formed on the underside of the heat sink 40 instead of the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device.

[0088] Thirdly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the heat sink 40 is inserted into the through hole 30a formed in the reflector 30, and the first light source 20 is positioned at the focal point F of the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp. 31 The MEMS mirror 53a of the LiDAR device 50 is arranged adjacent to the focal point F of the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device. 32 In contrast to the above, in the vehicle lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment, the heat sink 40 is inserted into a through hole 30a formed in the reflector 30, and the first light source 20 is positioned at a focal point F of the first reflecting surface 31 of the vehicle lamp. 31 The third light source 21 is arranged in the vicinity of the focal point F of the second reflecting surface 33 for the vehicle lamp. 33 The sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the housing 70 and is fixed to the housing 70 or the like (see FIG. 12).

[0089] Fourth, in the vehicle lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the LiDAR device 50 is disposed behind the reflector 30 in a state fixed to a housing 70 or the like (see FIG. 12). Note that the LiDAR device 50 is disposed in consideration of the distance from the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp, the orientation with respect to the second reflective surface 33 for the vehicle lamp, and the like. Specifically, the LiDAR device 50 is arranged in consideration of the distance from the second light source 51 to the second reflecting surface 33 for the vehicle lamp and the orientation relative to the second reflecting surface 33 for the vehicle lamp so that the emission angle (particularly the horizontal emission angle) of the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51, passing through the through hole 30a, reflected by the reflecting member E1, and further reflected by the second reflecting surface 33 for the vehicle lamp becomes large, and the laser light Ray2 is transmitted (irradiated) to a second detection range A2 (see Figure 4(b)) that is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see Figure 4(a)) (so as to scan the second detection range A2 two-dimensionally).

[0090] Fifth, the vehicle lamp 10C of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a reflecting member E1 is provided between the LiDAR device 50 and the second reflecting surface 33 for the vehicle lamp, which reflects the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 and passing through the through hole 30a toward the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp. This allows the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp to also function as the reflecting surface 32 for the LiDAR device. The reflecting member E1 is, for example, a mirror or a prism.

[0091] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment. That is, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp 10C that is a vehicle lamp (a headlamp for both low beam and high beam) used as part of a four-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type four-lamp headlamp), does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light for detecting the detection target (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device 50, and does not require an installation space therefor, and can be made compact. Fifth Embodiment Next, a vehicle lamp 10D according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0092] Fig. 13(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vehicle lamp 10D of the fifth embodiment, and Fig. 13(b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view thereof, in which the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted.

[0093] The vehicle lamp 10D of the fifth embodiment is a LiDAR-equipped headlamp that functions as a high-beam headlamp, similar to the vehicle lamp 10A of the second embodiment, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle V2 such as an automobile. As shown in FIG. 17, in addition to a high-beam headlamp (vehicle lamp 10D), a low-beam headlamp 200 is also mounted on the front end of the vehicle V2. That is, the vehicle lamp 10D constitutes part of a four-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type four-lamp headlamp). The vehicle lamps 10D mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, the vehicle lamp 10D mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle V2 (the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) will be described as a representative.

[0094] The vehicular lamp 10D of the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10A of the second embodiment except for the following differences: The following description will focus on the differences from the vehicular lamp 10A of the second embodiment, and the same components as the vehicular lamp 10A of the second embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate.

[0095] First, in the vehicle lamp 10D of the fifth embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the LiDAR device 50 is arranged behind the reflector 30 and fixed to a housing 70 or the like, as shown in FIG. 13(a).

[0096] Second, the vehicle lamp 10D of the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a reflecting member E2 is provided between the LiDAR device 50 and the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32 (high beam reflecting surface) to reflect the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 and passing through the through hole 30a toward the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32 (see FIG. 13(a)). The reflecting member E2 is an elliptical reflecting surface (hereinafter referred to as the elliptical reflecting surface E2). As a result, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the laser light Ray2 reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface E2 crosses and heads toward the LiDAR device reflecting surface 32, where it is reflected and diffused in the horizontal direction.

[0097] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment. That is, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp 10D that is a vehicle lamp (high beam headlamp) used as part of a four-lamp headlamp (reflector-type four-lamp headlamp), does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to detection of the detection target light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device 50, and does not require an installation space therefor, and can be made compact. Sixth Embodiment Next, a vehicle lamp 10E according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0098] Fig. 14 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10E of the sixth embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a side view of Fig. 14. Note that the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted in Figs. The vehicle lamp 10E of the sixth embodiment is a headlamp with an integrated LiDAR device that functions as a low-beam headlamp and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle V1 such as an automobile. As shown in FIG. 16, in addition to a low-beam headlamp (vehicle lamp 10E), a high-beam headlamp 100 is also mounted on the front end of the vehicle V1. That is, the vehicle lamp 10E constitutes part of a four-lamp headlamp (a reflector-type four-lamp headlamp). The vehicle lamps 10E mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, and therefore, hereinafter, the vehicle lamp 10E mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle V1 (the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) will be described as a representative.

[0099] The vehicular lamp 10E of the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment except for the following differences compared to the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment, and the same components as the vehicular lamp 10 of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described as appropriate.

[0100] First, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the outer shape of the reflector 30 is circular when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10E of the sixth embodiment, the outer shape of the reflector 30 is semicircular when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 14, mainly for design reasons.

[0101] Secondly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the first reflecting surface 31 for the vehicle lamp (the reflecting surface for low beam) is located at the focal point F 31 In the vehicle lamp 10E of the sixth embodiment, the first reflective surface 31 (low beam reflective surface) for the vehicle lamp and the reflective surface 32 for the LiDAR device are both positioned above the reference axis AX, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0102] Thirdly, in the vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment, the substrate on which the first light source 20 (light source for low beam) is mounted is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its light-emitting surface facing upward, and on the other hand, the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its opening 55a through which the laser light Ray2 and its return light Ray3 pass facing downward (see Figures 1 and 2), whereas in the vehicle lamp 10E of the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the substrate on which the first light source 20 (light source for low beam) is mounted is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its light-emitting surface facing upward, and the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) is held (fixed) to the heat sink 40 with its opening 55a through which the laser light Ray2 and its return light Ray3 pass facing upward.

[0103] As described above, the sixth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, the sixth embodiment can provide a vehicle lamp 10E that is a vehicle lamp (low beam headlamp) used as part of a four-lamp headlamp (reflector-type four-lamp headlamp), does not require a reflector (reflecting surface) dedicated to the light for detecting the detection target (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device 50, and does not require an installation space for the reflector, and can be made compact.

[0104] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0105] In the above-described embodiments, examples have been described in which the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle headlamp, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure may be applied to a vehicle signal lamp or other vehicle lamps.

[0106] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the scanning LiDAR device 50 is used as the LiDAR device, but this is not limiting. A flash LiDAR device (not shown) or other LiDAR devices may also be used as the LiDAR device.

[0107] The numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0108] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the descriptions of the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E...vehicle lamp, 20...first light source, 21...third light source, 30...reflector, 30a...through hole, 31...first reflective surface, 32...reflective surface, 33...second reflective surface, 33b...reflective area, 40...heat sink, 50...LiDAR device, 50a...light source control unit, 50b...mirror control unit, 50c...signal processing unit, 50d...correction unit, 51... Second light source, 52...beam splitter, 53...optical deflector, 53a...MEMS mirror, 54...light receiving element, 55...case, 55a...opening, 56...control unit, 57...memory, 58...storage unit, 58a...correction data, 60...outer lens, 70...housing, 80...lamp chamber, 90...extension, A1...first detection range, A2...second detection range, E1, E2...reflective members

Claims

1. A first light source that emits visible light; a first reflecting surface for a vehicle lamp designed to reflect visible light emitted by the first light source to form a first light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp; A LiDAR device having a second light source that emits light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted to a first detection range, and a light receiving element that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of return light, which is reflected light of the light for detecting the detection target that is reflected by the detection target, when the return light is incident; A reflective surface for a LiDAR device designed to reflect the light for detecting the detection target emitted by the second light source and transmit it to a second detection range wider than the first detection range; A reflector having a reflective surface for the vehicle lamp and a reflective surface for the LiDAR device formed thereon, A vehicle lamp, wherein a first reflective surface for the vehicle lamp and a reflective surface for the LiDAR device are formed inside the outer shape of the reflector when viewed from the front.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the LiDAR device is provided with a MEMS mirror that reflects the light for detecting the detection target so that the light for detecting the detection target scans the first detection range.

3. A vehicle lighting fixture as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer shape of the reflector is circular when viewed from the front.

4. 3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the reflector has a circular outer shape when viewed from the front.

5. The reflective surface for the LiDAR device has a generally parabolic cross-sectional shape, the focal point of which is located near the MEMS mirror; The vehicle lamp according to claim 2 , wherein a radius of curvature of a transverse cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface for the LiDAR device is larger than a radius of curvature of a longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface for the LiDAR device.

6. The reflective surface for the LiDAR device includes a plurality of reflective regions formed by partitioning the reflective surface for the LiDAR device, 6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the reflective areas is designed as a convex or concave surface so that the light for detecting the detection object emitted by the second light source and reflected by the reflective area is diffused in the horizontal direction.

7. The reflector has a through hole formed therein, Further comprising a holding member for holding the first light source and the LiDAR device, The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member is disposed in a state of being inserted into the through hole.

8. a third light source that emits visible light; a second reflecting surface for a vehicle lamp designed to reflect visible light emitted by the third light source to form a second light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp; The holding member has a triangular prism shape, The vehicle lamp according to claim 7 , wherein the first light source, the LiDAR device, and the third light source are each fixed to a surface that constitutes a side surface of the triangular prism shape.

9. 9. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7, wherein the holding member is a heat sink.

10. The LiDAR device is disposed behind the reflector; The vehicle lamp according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a reflective member that reflects the light for detecting the detection target, which is emitted by the second light source and passes through the through hole, toward a reflective surface for the LiDAR device.

11. The vehicular lamp according to claim 10, wherein the reflecting member is a mirror or a prism.

12. The reflecting member is a light collecting reflecting surface, The vehicle lamp according to claim 10 , wherein the light reflected on the light-collecting reflecting surface crosses and heads toward the reflecting surface for the LiDAR device.

13. a signal processing unit that calculates a distance to a detection target based on an electrical signal output by the light receiving element, and outputs an angle of the detection target and the distance to the detection target; A storage unit in which correction data is stored; The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , further comprising: a correction unit that corrects the angle of the detection object output by the signal processing unit based on the correction data.

14. A first light source that emits visible light; a first reflecting surface for a vehicle lamp designed to reflect visible light emitted by the first light source to form a first light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp; A LiDAR device having a second light source that emits light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted to a first detection range, and a light receiving element that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of return light, which is reflected light of the light for detecting the detection target that is reflected by the detection target, when the return light is incident; A reflective surface for a LiDAR device designed to reflect the light for detecting the detection target emitted by the second light source and transmit it to a second detection range wider than the first detection range; A reflector having a reflective surface for the vehicle lamp and a reflective surface for the LiDAR device formed thereon, The reflective surface for LiDAR is designed so that the light for detecting the detection target reflected by the reflective surface for LiDAR is diffused horizontally.

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