Headlamp for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a headlamp for a vehicle, which can improve visibility and suppress dazzling of an occupant of another vehicle.SOLUTION: A headlamp for the vehicle comprises a lamp unit that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix to be able to individually change quantities of emitted light and emits light having light distribution patterns corresponding to the quantities of light emitted from the light-emitting elements. A state can be switched between a first state where light of high-beam distribution pattern PH is emitted and a second state where light of a distribution pattern 300 in which a light quantity of a prescribed region 310 in the high-beam distribution pattern PH is reduced is emitted. When the state is switched from the second state to the first state, a light quantity in a partial region 311 of the prescribed region 310 is returned to that in the partial region in the first state, and the partial region 311 spreads over time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a vehicle headlamp that changes the light distribution pattern of emitted light based on information from a detection device that detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle. Such a vehicle headlamp is described in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below includes a lamp unit having multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can individually change the amount of light emitted, and a control unit, and the illumination spots illuminated by the light from each LED are aligned in the left-right direction. Based on information from a detection device that detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit to turn off the LEDs that correspond to the illumination spots that overlap with the other vehicle. This configuration is said to be able to prevent dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle.

[0004] The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 2 below includes a lighting unit having a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can individually change the amount of light emitted. This vehicle headlamp is switchable from a first state in which light having a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted to a second state in which light having a light distribution pattern in which a light-shielding area is formed in which light from the lighting unit is not irradiated in the predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted. This vehicle headlamp is said to be able to suppress dazzling of occupants of other vehicles by making the light-shielding area of ​​another vehicle located in front of the vehicle overlap with that of the other vehicle.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-16773 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-015104 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] A vehicle headlamp according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first lamp unit including a plurality of first light emitting portions capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted, and emitting light from the plurality of first light emitting portions such that first illumination spots into which light from each of the first light emitting portions is irradiated are aligned at least in the left-right direction; a second lamp unit including a plurality of second light emitting portions capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted, and emitting light from the plurality of second light emitting portions such that second illumination spots into which light from each of the second light emitting portions is irradiated are aligned in a matrix shape; an area determination unit that determines a predetermined area that overlaps with a viewing unit through which a driver of another vehicle visually recognizes the outside of the vehicle when a signal indicating the detection of another vehicle located in front of the vehicle is input from a detection device; and a control unit, wherein the second illumination spot is smaller than the first illumination spot, and at least one of the first illumination spots is smaller than the first illumination spot. and when the predetermined area is not determined by the area determination unit, the control unit controls the first lamp unit so that light is emitted from at least the first lamp unit, and when the predetermined area is determined by the area determination unit, the control unit controls the first lamp unit so that an amount of light emitted from the first light emitting unit corresponding to the first illumination spot overlapping the predetermined area is reduced or becomes zero, and controls the second lamp unit so that an amount of light emitted from the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot overlapping the predetermined area is reduced or becomes zero, and controls the second lamp unit so that light is emitted from the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot overlapping the first illumination spot overlapping the predetermined area and does not overlap the predetermined area.

[0007] Here, examples of the visual recognition part by which the driver of the other vehicle visually recognizes the outside of the vehicle include, for example, the front windshield when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and, for example, when the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, examples of the visual recognition part include, for example, the side mirror, the rear windshield, an imaging device that images the rear of the vehicle, etc. Furthermore, when the amount of light becomes zero, it includes not only the amount of light being reduced to zero, but also the amount of light being maintained at zero.

[0008] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit and irradiated to the visual recognition portion of the other vehicle is reduced or zero, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit and irradiated to the visual recognition portion of the other vehicle is reduced or zero. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect can suppress dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle. Also, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, light is irradiated to the second irradiation spot that overlaps with the first irradiation spot with a reduced amount of irradiated light and does not overlap with the predetermined area. Therefore, the light from the second lamp unit can be irradiated to at least a part of the area that does not overlap with the predetermined area of ​​the first irradiation spot with a reduced amount of irradiated light. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect can improve forward visibility compared to a case where the second lamp unit is not provided.

[0009] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the second lamp unit so that, when the specified area is determined by the area determination unit, an amount of light emitted from the second light emitting portion corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot that overlaps with the specified area but does not overlap with the specified area is increased compared to when the specified area is not determined by the area determination unit.

[0010] By adopting such a configuration, the amount of light from the second lamp unit irradiated to at least a portion of the area of ​​the first illumination spot that does not overlap with the specified area, where the amount of irradiated light has been reduced, can be increased compared to the case where the amount of light does not increase, thereby further improving forward visibility.

[0011] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, at least one of the first illumination spots overlaps with at least two of the second illumination spots, and when the specified area is determined by the area determination unit, the control unit may control the second lamp unit such that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting section corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot that overlaps with the specified area but does not overlap with the specified area and is closer to the specified area is increased.

[0012] For example, when a part of a first irradiation spot with a reduced amount of light to be irradiated overlaps with a part of another first irradiation spot adjacent to the first irradiation spot, the overlapping area of ​​the first irradiation spot with a reduced amount of light to be irradiated overlapping with the other first irradiation spot is irradiated with light from the first light emitting section corresponding to the other first irradiation spot. Here, in the irradiation spot to which light is irradiated, the intensity of light irradiated from the center side toward the outer edge side tends to decrease. Therefore, the intensity of light from the first light emitting section corresponding to the other first irradiation spot irradiated to the overlapping area tends to increase as it approaches the predetermined area. In this vehicle headlamp, the intensity of light irradiated increases in the second irradiation spot that overlaps with the first irradiation spot with a reduced amount of light to be irradiated and does not overlap with the predetermined area, the closer the second irradiation spot is to the predetermined area. Therefore, for example, when a second irradiation spot that overlaps with a first irradiation spot having a reduced amount of light emitted but does not overlap with a specified area overlaps with the above-mentioned overlap area, the light intensity in the overlap area can be made uniform, thereby preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable in the overlap area.

[0013] Alternatively, when the specified area is determined by the area determination section, the control section may control the second lighting unit so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting section corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot that overlaps with the specified area but does not overlap with the specified area does not change from the amount of light when the specified area is not determined by the area determination section.

[0014] With this configuration, the control of the second lamp unit by the control section can be simplified compared to the case where the amount of light changes as described above.

[0015] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit when the specified area is not determined by the area determination unit.

[0016] With this configuration, when the predetermined region is not determined by the region determination unit, the light distribution pattern is formed by the light including the light emitted from the first lamp unit and the light emitted from the second lamp unit. As described above, since at least one first irradiation spot overlaps with at least one second irradiation spot, the region irradiated with the light emitted from the first lamp unit and the region irradiated with the light emitted from the second lamp unit can be made to overlap with each other. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the degree of freedom of the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern to be formed can be improved compared to the case where the light from the second lamp unit is not emitted in the above case.

[0017] A second aspect of the vehicle headlamp of the present invention comprises a lamp unit having a plurality of light emitting sections arranged in a matrix, the amount of light emitted being individually changeable, and emitting light having a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting sections, and is switchable between a first state in which light is emitted in a predetermined light distribution pattern and a second state in which light is emitted in a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined area in the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced, and is characterized in that when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in a portion of the predetermined area is restored to the amount of light in that portion in the first state, and that the portion expands over time.

[0018] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when the predetermined area overlaps with a visual recognition portion through which the driver of the other vehicle can see outside the vehicle, the first state is switched to the second state, thereby suppressing dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, a part of the predetermined area becomes bright, and the bright area spreads over time. In other words, the area in which the amount of light is reduced becomes smaller over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the change in brightness in the predetermined area, compared to the case of instantaneous switching from the second state to the first state.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand upward from a lower edge of the predetermined region over time.

[0020] Objects to which the driver should pay attention include, for example, pedestrians and obstacles on the road, as well as other vehicles. In this vehicle headlamp, when switching from the second state to the first state, the side of the predetermined area closer to the road can be illuminated. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, for example, if the predetermined area overlaps with a pedestrian or obstacle on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can be made aware of the pedestrian or obstacle more quickly.

[0021] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand downward from an upper edge of the predetermined region over time.

[0022] The sign is located above the road. In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined area becomes brighter from the upper side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, for example, if the predetermined area and the sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can recognize the sign more quickly.

[0023] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand over time from one edge of the predetermined region in the left-right direction toward the other edge.

[0024] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the predetermined area becomes brighter from one side in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the light emitted from the multiple light emitting parts compared to the case where the predetermined area becomes brighter from both sides in the left-right direction. Also, when the predetermined area overlaps with a sign located on the road shoulder side and the above-mentioned part of the area spreads from the edge on the side where the sign is located in the left-right direction, the driver can quickly recognize the sign.

[0025] In this case, the center of the specified area may be shifted to a specified side in the left-right direction from the left-right center of the specified light distribution pattern, and the portion of the area may expand over time from an edge of the specified area opposite the specified side in the left-right direction toward the specified side.

[0026] Generally, the lateral center of the light distribution pattern of the emitted light tends to be located on a vertical line passing through the lateral center of the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined area can be brightened from the side closer to the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle among both lateral sides of the predetermined area. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is possible to more effectively prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the change in brightness in the predetermined area, compared to the case where the predetermined area is brightened from the side farther from the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle among both lateral sides of the predetermined area.

[0027] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand over time from the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the predetermined region toward the inner side of the predetermined region.

[0028] By adopting such a configuration, the predetermined area can be brightened more quickly than when the partial area spreads from a part of the outer periphery of the predetermined area. Therefore, the driver can recognize a sign or the like overlapping with the predetermined area more quickly. Also, compared to when the partial area spreads from a part of the outer periphery of the predetermined area, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable, and to give the driver a sense of security.

[0029] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand over time from an inner side of the predetermined region toward an outer periphery of the predetermined region.

[0030] In this vehicle headlamp, the predetermined area becomes brighter from the inside. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect can more effectively prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area, compared to a case where the predetermined area becomes brighter from the outer periphery.

[0031] In this case, the speed at which the partial region spreads downward may be faster than the speed at which the partial region spreads upward.

[0032] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the lower side of the predetermined area can be brightened faster than the upper side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, for example, when the predetermined area overlaps with a pedestrian, obstacle, or the like on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can become aware of the pedestrian, obstacle, or the like more quickly.

[0033] Alternatively, the speed at which the partial region spreads upward may be faster than the speed at which the partial region spreads downward.

[0034] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the upper side of the predetermined area can be brightened faster than the lower side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, for example, if the predetermined area and a sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the sign can be recognized by the driver more quickly.

[0035] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in areas other than the certain area in the specified region may be increased over time so that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the certain area.

[0036] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, a part of the predetermined area becomes bright, and the bright area spreads over time. Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the predetermined area can be made darker as it moves away from the bright area, and the boundary between the bright area and the dark area can be made less noticeable. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is possible to further suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a schematic view of the first lamp unit illustrated in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a front view illustrating the light distribution pattern forming section illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating a first irradiation spot irradiated with light from each of the light emitting elements shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a side view illustrating a schematic view of the second lamp unit illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating roughly the light distribution pattern forming section shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram illustrating a second illumination spot illuminated with light from each of the light emitting elements shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a side view illustrating a schematic view of the third lamp unit illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 9 is a front view showing a schematic view of the light source unit shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a low beam in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of a high beam in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined region determined by a region determining unit. [Figure 14] 14 is an enlarged view of a predetermined area and its vicinity in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern according to a predetermined area shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic view of a second lamp unit according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to a third embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control flowchart of a control unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle is detected as another vehicle by a detection device. [Figure 21] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes in response to another vehicle in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes in response to another vehicle in the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 23] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes in response to another vehicle in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] 23A to 23C are diagrams for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes in response to another vehicle in the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes in response to another vehicle in the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, in the above-mentioned attached drawings, the dimensions of each component may be exaggerated in some cases to facilitate understanding.

[0039] (First embodiment) A first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a vehicle headlamp 1, a detection device 110, and a light switch 120.

[0040] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile. The vehicle headlamp 1 mainly comprises a pair of left and right lamp units 5, a control unit CO, a determination unit 50, a region determination unit 55, and a pair of power supply circuits 60. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "right" means the right side from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100, which is the host vehicle, and "left" means the left side from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100, which is the host vehicle.

[0041] In this embodiment, the pair of lamp units 5 are shaped to be generally symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and emit light in a changeable light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle 100. Moreover, the configuration of one lamp unit 5 is the same as the configuration of the other lamp unit 5, except that the shapes are generally symmetrical. Therefore, in the following, one lamp unit 5 will be described, and a description of the other lamp unit 5 will be omitted.

[0042] The lamp section 5 of this embodiment includes a first lamp unit 10, a second lamp unit 20, and a third lamp unit 30. These lamp units 10, 20, and 30 are arranged side by side, with the second lamp unit 20 disposed at the most central side of the vehicle 100, the third lamp unit 30 disposed at the most outer side of the vehicle 100, and the first lamp unit 10 disposed between the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a side view that shows a schematic view of the first lamp unit 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the first lamp unit 10 mainly comprises a light distribution pattern forming section 12, a projection lens 15, and a housing 16. In Fig. 2, the housing 16 is shown in vertical cross section.

[0044] The housing 16 mainly comprises a lamp housing 17, a front cover 18, and a back cover 19. The front of the lamp housing 17 is open, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to close the opening. In addition, an opening smaller than the front is formed in the rear of the lamp housing 17, and the back cover 19 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to close the opening.

[0045] The space formed by the lamp housing 17, the front cover 18 that covers the front opening of the lamp housing 17, and the back cover 19 that covers the rear opening of the lamp housing 17 is the lamp chamber 10R, and the light distribution pattern forming section 12 and the projection lens 15 are housed within this lamp chamber 10R.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 of this embodiment has a plurality of light emitting elements 13a-13h as a first light emitting unit that emits light, and a circuit board 14 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 13a-13h are mounted. The plurality of light emitting elements 13a-13h are arranged in a line in the left-right direction and emit light forward. The plurality of light emitting elements 13a-13h are capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted. In this embodiment, the light emitting elements 13a-13h are LEDs whose emission surface that emits light is elongated in the vertical direction, and the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is a so-called LED array, in which eight LEDs are arranged. The type and number of the light emitting elements are not particularly limited.

[0047] Such a light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light emitting elements 13a-13h that emit light. Also, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can adjust the light intensity distribution in the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 13a-13h. In other words, it can be understood that the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 forms a predetermined light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the multiple light emitting elements 13a-13h.

[0048] The projection lens 15 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the incident light. The projection lens 15 is disposed in front of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and the light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is incident on the projection lens 15, and the divergence angle of the light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. The projection lens 15 is a lens in which the entrance surface and the exit surface are formed in a convex shape. The optical axis of the projection lens 15 passes between the light emitting element 13d and the light emitting element 13e in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on a surface including the light exit surface of the light emitting element 13d or in the vicinity of the surface. The light whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the projection lens 15 is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 toward the front of the vehicle 100 through the front cover 18.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the first illumination spots onto which the light from each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h shown in FIG. 3 is illuminated. The first illumination spots S1a to S1h shown in FIG. 4 are areas onto which the light from the light emitting elements 13a to 13h is illuminated on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100. In addition, in FIG. 4, S indicates a horizontal line, and V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. Since the multiple light emitting elements 13a to 13h are arranged in a line in the left-right direction as described above, the first illumination spots S1a to S1h are arranged in a line in the left-right direction. Therefore, it can be understood that the first lamp unit 10 emits light from the multiple light emitting elements 13a to 13h so that the first illumination spots S1a to S1h onto which the light from each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h is illuminated are arranged in the left-right direction. The first illumination spot S1a corresponds to the light emitting element 13a, and when the light is emitted from the light emitting element 13a, the light is illuminated into the first illumination spot S1a. In addition, the first irradiation spot S1b corresponds to the light-emitting element 13b, the first irradiation spot S1c corresponds to the light-emitting element 13c, the first irradiation spot S1d corresponds to the light-emitting element 13d, the first irradiation spot S1e corresponds to the light-emitting element 13e, the first irradiation spot S1f corresponds to the light-emitting element 13f, the first irradiation spot S1g corresponds to the light-emitting element 13g, and the first irradiation spot S1h corresponds to the light-emitting element 13h.

[0050] These first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are generally rectangular in size and elongated in the vertical direction. In addition, adjacent first irradiation spots partially overlap each other. For example, a part of the first irradiation spot S1a and a part of the first irradiation spot S1b overlap each other, and another part of the first irradiation spot S1b and a part of the first irradiation spot S1c overlap each other. In addition, these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h overlap with the horizontal line S, and the two first irradiation spots S1d and S1e overlap with the vertical line V. In other words, the positions of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h are adjusted so that these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are arranged in this way. Note that adjacent first irradiation spots may be in contact with each other, or may be separated from each other to form a gap. However, it is preferable that these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are arranged side by side without any gap in the horizontal direction. In addition, the shape of the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h is not particularly limited.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a side view that shows a schematic view of the second lamp unit 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the second lamp unit 20 mainly comprises a light distribution pattern forming section 22, a projection lens 25, and a housing 26. In Fig. 5, the housing 26 is shown in a vertical cross section. The housing 26 has a similar structure to the housing 16 of the first lamp unit 10, and mainly comprises a lamp housing 27, a front cover 28, and a back cover 29. The light distribution pattern forming section 22 and the projection lens 25 are housed in a lamp chamber 20R formed by the housing 26.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the light distribution pattern forming section 22 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the light distribution pattern forming section 22 of this embodiment has a plurality of light emitting elements 23 as a second light emitting section that emits light, and a circuit board 24 on which the plurality of light emitting elements 23 are mounted. The plurality of light emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix to form rows in the vertical and horizontal directions, and emit light forward. These light emitting elements 23 are smaller than the light emitting elements 13a to 13h in the first lamp unit 10, and the amount of light emitted can be changed individually. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern forming section 22 has 32 light emitting element groups each consisting of 96 light emitting elements 23 arranged in the horizontal direction, and these light emitting element groups are arranged in the vertical direction. In addition, these light emitting elements 23 are micro LEDs, and the light distribution pattern forming section 22 is a so-called micro LED array. Note that the number of light emitting elements 23 in each light emitting element group and the number of light emitting element groups are not particularly limited.

[0053] Such a light distribution pattern forming unit 22 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting the light emitting elements 23 that emit light. Also, the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 can adjust the light intensity distribution in the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 23. In other words, it can be understood that the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 forms a predetermined light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the multiple light emitting elements 23.

[0054] The projection lens 25 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the incident light, similar to the projection lens 15. The projection lens 25 is disposed forward of the light distribution pattern forming section 22, and the light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming section 22 is incident on the projection lens 25, and the divergence angle of the light is adjusted by the projection lens 25. The projection lens 25 is a lens whose entrance surface and exit surface are formed in a convex shape, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 25 is located on or in the vicinity of the light exit surface of any one of the light emitting elements 23 in the light distribution pattern forming section 22. The light whose divergence angle has been adjusted by such a projection lens 25 is emitted from the second lamp unit 20 toward the front of the vehicle 100 through the front cover 28.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the second illumination spot onto which the light from each of the light emitting elements 23 shown in FIG. 6 is illuminated. The second illumination spot S2 shown in FIG. 7 is an area onto which the light from the light emitting elements 23 is illuminated on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100. In addition, in FIG. 7, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the first illumination spots S1a to S1h are indicated by dashed lines. Since the plurality of light emitting elements 23 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 are arranged in a matrix as described above, the second illumination spots S2 onto which the light from each of the light emitting elements 23 is illuminated are arranged in a matrix ahead of the vehicle 100. Therefore, it can be understood that the second lamp unit 20 emits light from the plurality of light emitting elements 23 so that the second illumination spots S2 onto which the light from each of the light emitting elements 23 is illuminated are arranged in a matrix. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding, the number of the plurality of second illumination spots S2 is reduced in FIG. 7. Each second illumination spot S2 corresponds to one light-emitting element 23, and the relative position of a specific light-emitting element 23 among the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 and the relative position of a specific second illumination spot S2 corresponding to this specific light-emitting element 23 among the plurality of second illumination spots S2 are inverted vertically and horizontally. For example, the second illumination spot S2 corresponding to the light-emitting element 23 located at the upper right edge from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100 is located at the lower left edge from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0056] These second irradiation spots S2 are generally of the same size and have a positive shape. In FIG. 7, the second irradiation spots S2 are illustrated so that the adjacent second irradiation spots S2 are in contact with each other for ease of understanding, but the adjacent second irradiation spots S2 overlap each other. The area 70 formed by the entire second irradiation spots S2 is a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. In other words, this area 70 can be understood as an area where the second lighting unit 20 can irradiate light. This area 70 overlaps with the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and also overlaps with the six first irradiation spots S1b to S1g. Each of the six first irradiation spots S1b to S1g overlaps with at least one of the second irradiation spots S2, and in this embodiment, overlaps with the multiple second irradiation spots S2. In other words, the orientation of the second lighting unit 20 is adjusted so that the area 70 formed by the second irradiation spots S2 is arranged in this way. Adjacent second irradiation spots S2 may be in contact with each other, or may be spaced apart with gaps between them. However, it is preferable that the second irradiation spots S2 are arranged in a matrix shape without gaps. The second irradiation spots S2 may be smaller than the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h, and the shape is not particularly limited. The second irradiation spots S2 may include second irradiation spots S2 of different sizes and shapes. At least one first irradiation spot among the eight first irradiation spots S1a to S1h may overlap at least one second irradiation spot S2, and all irradiation spots S1a to S1h may overlap the second irradiation spots S2.

[0057] Fig. 8 is a side view that shows a schematic view of the third lamp unit 30 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the third lamp unit 30 mainly comprises a light source unit 32, a shade 33, a projection lens 35, and a housing 36. In Fig. 8, the housing 36 is shown in a vertical cross section. The housing 36 has a similar structure to the housing 16 of the first lamp unit 10, and mainly comprises a lamp housing 37, a front cover 38, and a back cover 39. The light source unit 32, the shade 33, and the projection lens 35 are housed in a lamp chamber 30R formed by the housing 36.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a front view that shows a schematic view of the light source unit 32 shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 9 also shows a shade 33. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the light source unit 32 of this embodiment has a light-emitting element 32a that emits light, and a circuit board 32b on which the light-emitting element 32a is mounted. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 32a is an LED having a light-emitting surface that is elongated in the left-right direction and emits light forward.

[0059] The shade 33 has a light shielding portion 33a and a fixing portion 33b. In this embodiment, the light shielding portion 33a and the fixing portion 33b are integrally formed by bending a plate-shaped member. The light shielding portion 33a extends in the left-right direction in front of the light emitting element 32a of the light source unit 32, and the fixing portion 33b is connected to the lower end portion. The fixing portion 33b extends rearward from the lower end portion of the light shielding portion 33a, and the end portion of the fixing portion 33b opposite to the light shielding portion 33a side is fixed to the circuit board 32b. The upper edge of the light shielding portion 33a is composed of a first edge portion 33e1, a second edge portion 33e2, and a third edge portion 33e3. The first edge portion 33e1 extends in a generally horizontal direction. The second edge portion 33e2 extends linearly from one end of the first edge portion 33e1 toward the opposite side to the first edge portion 33e1 side and downward. The third edge 33e3 extends in a substantially horizontal direction from the end of the second edge 33e2 opposite to the first edge 33e1 side toward the opposite side to the first edge 33e1 side. Such a light blocking portion 33a of the shade 33 blocks a part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 32a.

[0060] The projection lens 35 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of the incident light, similarly to the projection lens 15. In this embodiment, the projection lens 35 is a lens whose entrance surface and exit surface are formed in a convex shape, and is disposed forward of the shade 33. The rear focal point of the projection lens 35 is located at or near the upper edge of the light-shielding portion 33a of the shade 33. As described above, a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a is blocked by the light-shielding portion 33a of the shade 33, and another part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a enters the projection lens 35, and light with a specific light distribution pattern according to the shape of the light-shielding portion 33a is emitted from the projection lens 35. Note that this specific light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern in which the light distribution pattern when a part of the light is blocked by the light-shielding portion 33a is inverted vertically and horizontally. In this way, the light having the specific light distribution pattern emitted from the projection lens 35 is emitted from the third lamp unit 30 toward the front of the vehicle 100 through the front cover 38.

[0061] 1 may be, for example, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. When an NC device is used, the control unit CO may or may not use a machine learning device. As described later, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30.

[0062] A light switch 120 provided in the vehicle 100 is connected to the control unit CO. The light switch 120 in this embodiment is a switch that selects between emission of a low beam, emission of a high beam, and non-emission of light. For example, the light switch 120 outputs a signal indicating emission of a low beam to the control unit CO when emission of a low beam is selected, and outputs a signal indicating emission of a high beam to the control unit CO when emission of a high beam is selected. In addition, the light switch 120 does not output a signal to the control unit CO when non-emission of light is selected.

[0063] The detection device 110 of this embodiment detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100. When detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the region determination unit 55 via the determination unit 50. The detection device 110 also detects the state of the other vehicle to be detected, and outputs a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the region determination unit 55 via the determination unit 50. The detection device 110 may directly output these signals to the region determination unit 55. Examples of the state of the other vehicle include the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, and the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle. The detection device 110 includes, for example, a camera, a detection unit, and the like (not shown). The camera is attached to the front of the vehicle 100, and captures an image of the front of the vehicle 100 at a predetermined time interval, for example, at 1 / 30 second intervals. The captured image captured by the camera includes at least a part of the area irradiated with light emitted from the pair of lamp units 5. The detection unit detects another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100 from an image captured by the camera, and detects the state of the other vehicle.

[0064] For example, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, a pair of white light points due to light emitted from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle are reflected in the captured image. The detection unit outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 50, assuming that the pair of white light points corresponds to the light from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle. The detection unit may output a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, assuming that the signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle includes the detection of the other vehicle. The detection unit also calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle based on the distance between the pair of white light points and the like. The detection unit then outputs a signal indicating the position of the pair of white light points in the captured image as a signal indicating the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance, to the determination unit 50. When the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, a pair of red light points due to light emitted from the taillights of the leading vehicle are reflected in the captured image. The detection unit outputs a signal indicating the detection of another vehicle and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle to the determination unit 50, assuming that the pair of red light points corresponds to light from the taillights of the preceding vehicle. The detection unit may output a signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle, assuming that the signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle includes the detection of the other vehicle. The detection unit also calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle based on the distance between the pair of red light points and the like. The detection unit then outputs to the determination unit 50 a signal indicating the position of the pair of red light points in the captured image as a signal indicating the position of the preceding vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating this calculated distance.

[0065] On the other hand, when the detection unit does not detect another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100, the detection unit does not output a signal to the determination unit 50.

[0066] The configuration of the detection unit may be, for example, the same as that of the control unit CO, and the camera may be, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (C-MOS) camera or a charged coupled device (CCD) camera.

[0067] The configuration of the detection device 110, the method of detecting another vehicle by the detection device 110, the method of calculating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle, the method of distinguishing between an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle, and the signal indicating the state of the other vehicle output from the detection device 110 to the determination unit 50 are not particularly limited. For example, the detection device 110 may further include an image processing unit that performs image processing on an image captured by a camera, and the detection unit may detect the other vehicle and the state of the other vehicle from information image-processed by the image processing unit. The detection device 110 may further include a millimeter wave radar, a lidar, or the like that can detect an object located in front of the vehicle 100, and may detect the other vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100 and the state of the other vehicle based on the image captured by the camera and a signal input from the millimeter wave radar, the lidar, or the like.

[0068] The determination unit 50 determines whether the detected other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement based on a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the detection device 110 that detects the other vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100. Examples of the predetermined requirement include the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 being less than a predetermined distance, the headlights of the oncoming vehicle being on, the taillights of the preceding vehicle being on, and the satisfaction of at least two of these requirements. The predetermined requirement in this embodiment is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance, and the predetermined distance is, for example, 100 m. Note that this predetermined distance may be different between the case where the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle and the case where the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle. When the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirement, the determination unit 50 in this embodiment outputs a signal indicating information such as a photographed image of the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle in the photographed image to the region determination unit 55 as a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle. Furthermore, when the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements, and when no signal is input from the detection device 110 to the determination unit 50, the determination unit 50 does not output a signal to the area determination unit 55. For this reason, the determination by the determination unit 50 can be understood as changing the signal to be output by distinguishing between cases according to the signal input from the detection device 110. As an example of the configuration of the determination unit 50, a configuration similar to that of the control unit CO can be cited.

[0069] The region determination unit 55 determines a predetermined region that overlaps with the viewing portion for the driver of the other vehicle to view outside the vehicle based on a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the detection device 110 via the determination unit 50, and outputs a signal indicating the predetermined region to the control unit CO. For this reason, this predetermined region is not a predetermined region. However, the region determination unit 55 may select a region to be the predetermined region from a plurality of predetermined regions based on a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50, and determine the selected region as the predetermined region. The viewing portion for the driver of the other vehicle to view outside the vehicle may be, for example, a front windshield when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, or a side mirror, a rear windshield, or an imaging device that images the rear of the vehicle when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. It is preferable that the predetermined region overlaps the entire viewing portion of the other vehicle. In this embodiment, the region determination unit 55 determines a rectangular region including the entire other vehicle on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 as the predetermined region. A predetermined gap is formed between the outer edge of this predetermined area and the outer edge of the other vehicle. The area determination unit 55 determines such a predetermined area. On the other hand, when a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle is not input, the area determination unit 55 does not output a signal to the control unit CO. In this case, the area determination unit 55 may output a signal indicating that the predetermined area is not determined to the control unit CO. As the configuration of the area determination unit 55, for example, a configuration similar to that of the control unit CO can be mentioned. In addition, the area determination unit 55 may also function as the determination unit 50. Also, the shape of the predetermined area is not particularly limited.

[0070] One power supply circuit 60 corresponds to one of the lamp units 5, and the other power supply circuit 60 corresponds to the other lamp unit 5. Each power supply circuit 60 includes a driver, and when a signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h of the first lamp unit 10, each of the light emitting elements 23 of the second lamp unit 20, and the light emitting element 32a of the third lamp unit 30. In this way, the amount of light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h, 23, and 32a is adjusted. The driver of the power supply circuit 60 may adjust the power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h, 23, and 32a by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the amount of light emitted from each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h, 23, and 32a is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle.

[0071] Next, the low beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0072] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 form a low beam light distribution pattern.

[0073] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In Fig. 10, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a low beam light distribution pattern PL formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. In Fig. 10, an area 70 where light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated is shown by a dashed line.

[0074] The low beam light distribution pattern PL of this embodiment has cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 at the upper edge. The cutoff line CL1 extends horizontally to the right side, which is one side in the left-right direction, from the elbow point EP located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V. The cutoff line CL2 extends obliquely upward from the elbow point EP to the left side, which is the other side in the left-right direction, and the end of the cutoff line CL2 opposite to the elbow point EP side is located above the horizontal line S. The cutoff line CL3 extends horizontally to the other side in the left-right direction from the end of the cutoff line CL2 opposite to the elbow point EP side. In addition, a hot zone HZL, which is an area where the light intensity in the low beam light distribution pattern PL is the highest, is located near the elbow point EP. In countries and regions where vehicles drive on the right side of the road, the low beam light distribution pattern is roughly symmetrical to the low beam light distribution pattern PL shown in Figure 10, with the cut-off line CL1 extending horizontally to the left from the elbow point EP and the cut-off line CL2 extending diagonally upward to the right from the elbow point EP.

[0075] The shape of the upper end of the light shielding portion 33a of the shade 33 in the third lamp unit 30 corresponds to the upper edge of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, and the outer shape of the specific light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 generally matches the outer shape of the low beam light distribution pattern PL. In addition, the overlapping area 71 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, which overlaps with the area 70 where the light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated, includes a hot zone HZL, and the overlapping area 71 is irradiated with the light from the second lamp unit 20. In other words, light is emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 located in the overlapping area 71, and the overlapping area 71 is irradiated with the light from the second lamp unit 20 and the light from the third lamp unit 30. The light intensity distribution in this overlapping area 71 is, for example, a distribution in which the intensity decreases as it moves away from the hot zone HZL. The amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted by the control unit CO so that the light intensity distribution in the overlapping region 71 becomes such a distribution. By emitting light from the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 in this manner, a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0076] Next, the high beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0077] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10, the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20, and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 form a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0078] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In Fig. 11, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. In Fig. 11, a region 70 to which the second lamp unit 20 can irradiate light is shown by a broken line together with the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h. In this embodiment, a hot zone HZH, which is a region with the highest light intensity in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and overlaps with the two first irradiation spots S1d, S1e and the region 70.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, light is emitted from all the light emitting elements 13a-13h in the first lamp unit 10 and all the light emitting elements 23 in the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, the first irradiation spots S1a-S1h are irradiated with light from the corresponding light emitting elements 13a-13h, and the region 70 is irradiated with light from the light emitting element 23. The third lamp unit 30 emits the same light as when forming a low beam. The light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the region 70 of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is, for example, a distribution in which the intensity decreases as the distance from the hot zone HZH increases. The amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 23 is adjusted by the control unit CO so that the light intensity in the region 70 has such a distribution. In this way, the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 emit light, and thus the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0080] Next, an operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP17.

[0081] (Step SP11) First, the control unit CO judges whether or not a signal indicating emission of low beam is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP13. Therefore, the judgment of the control unit CO can be understood as changing the next step by distinguishing between cases according to the input signal in this way.

[0082] (Step SP12) In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a low beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined control signal corresponding to the low beam to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 stops the supply of power to all the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, the power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a becomes a predetermined power, and the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted to become a power corresponding to the low beam. Therefore, the second lamp unit 20 emits light that is a part of the low beam, and the third lamp unit 30 emits light that is another part of the low beam, so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a low beam. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0083] (Step SP13) In this step, the control unit CO judges whether or not a signal indicating emission of high beams is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP14. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP17.

[0084] (Step SP14) In this step, the control unit CO judges whether or not a predetermined region has been determined by the region determination unit 55 based on a signal input from the region determination unit 55. If no signal is input from the region determination unit 55 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP15. On the other hand, if a signal is input from the region determination unit 55 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP16.

[0085] (Step SP15) In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined control signal corresponding to the high beam to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 13a to 13h of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 to a predetermined power, the power supplied to the light emitting element 32a of the light source unit 32 to a predetermined power, and the power supplied to each of the light emitting elements 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 to a power corresponding to the high beam. Therefore, the first lamp unit 10 emits light that is a part of the high beam, the second lamp unit 20 emits light that is another part of the high beam, and the third lamp unit 30 emits light that is another part of the high beam, so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a low beam. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11. As mentioned above, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is a specific light distribution pattern that is the same as the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0086] (Step SP16) In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes a light distribution pattern according to the predetermined area determined by the area determination unit 55. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the predetermined area 80 determined by the area determination unit 55, and is a diagram showing an example of the predetermined area 80 determined when the oncoming vehicle 90 is detected by the detection device 110 and the judgment unit 50 judges that the oncoming vehicle 90 satisfies a predetermined requirement. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the predetermined area 80 and its vicinity in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the predetermined area 80 on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. In FIG. 13, the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are shown by a dashed line, and the area 70 is shown by a broken line. In FIG. 14, the second irradiation spots S2 are shown by a thin line. In order to make it easier to understand, the number of second irradiation spots S2 is reduced in FIG. 14. Further, although the multiple second irradiation spots S2 are illustrated so that adjacent second irradiation spots S2 are in contact with each other, adjacent second irradiation spots S2 overlap each other.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, the predetermined area 80 is a rectangle including the entire other vehicle 90, which is an oncoming vehicle, and a predetermined gap is formed between the outer edge of the predetermined area 80 and the outer edge of the other vehicle 90. Therefore, the predetermined area 80 overlaps with the windshield 91, which serves as a viewing portion for the driver of the other vehicle 90, which is an oncoming vehicle, to view the outside of the vehicle. The control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 according to the positional relationship between the predetermined area 80 and the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h. Specifically, the control unit CO controls the light emitting elements 13e, 13f corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f overlapping the predetermined area 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 13e, 13f is reduced to less than the amount of light when a high beam is emitted or becomes zero. The control unit CO also controls the light emitting elements 13a-13d, 13g, 13h corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1a-S1d, S1g, S1h that do not overlap the predetermined region 80 so that the light amounts of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 13a-13d, 13g, 13h are the light amounts when emitting high beams. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 so that the light amounts of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 13a-13h are set as described above, and the power supplied to the light emitting elements 13a-13h is adjusted by the driver of the power supply circuit 60. In this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 so that the light amounts of the light emitted from the light emitting elements 13e, 13f are zero.

[0089] The control unit CO also controls the second lamp unit 20 according to the positional relationship between the predetermined region 80 and the second irradiation spot S2. Specifically, the control unit CO controls the light emitting element 23 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping the predetermined region 80 is reduced compared to the amount of light when emitting a high beam. The control unit CO also controls the light emitting element 23 so that light is emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 hatched with a plurality of points in FIG. 14. The hatched second irradiation spot S2 overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f overlapping with the predetermined region 80, but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80. The control unit CO also controls the light emitting element 23 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 not overlapping with the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f overlapping with the predetermined region 80 is the same as the amount of light when emitting a high beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 so that the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted, and the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23. In this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping the predetermined region 80 becomes zero, and the amount of light from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second irradiation spot S2 becomes the same as the amount of light when a high beam is emitted. However, the amount of light from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second irradiation spot S2 may be different from the amount of light when a high beam is emitted.

[0090] In addition, the control unit CO controls the third lamp unit 30 so that light having a specific light distribution pattern identical to the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when emitting a high beam is emitted, regardless of the specified area 80.

[0091] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern according to the predetermined region 80 shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a light distribution pattern 200 on a virtual vertical screen arranged 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. As described above, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 13a-13d, 13g, 13h corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1a-S1d, S1g, S1h other than the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f, and the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 not overlapping with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f are the same as the amount of light when emitting a high beam. In addition, the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same as the light when emitting a high beam. For this reason, the light distribution pattern 200 is a light distribution pattern in which the light intensity distribution of the area overlapping with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f in the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam has been changed. As described above, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e, 13e corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f overlapping the predetermined area 80 and the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping the predetermined area 80 are reduced compared to the amount of light when a high beam is emitted. Therefore, the light distribution pattern 200 includes the predetermined area 80 and has an attenuation area 81 in which the amount of light is reduced compared to when a high beam is emitted, and this attenuation area 81 overlaps with the windshield 91 as a visual recognition part of another vehicle 90.

[0092] (Step SP17) In this step, no signal is input from the light switch 120 to the control unit CO. Therefore, the light switch 120 is in a state of selecting non-emission of light. The control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 do not emit light. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60 to stop the power supply to all the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, all the light-emitting elements 23, and the light-emitting element 32a, and prevents the vehicle headlamp 1 from emitting light. Then, the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0093] In this way, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the predetermined region 80 is determined by the region determination unit 55, the light distribution pattern PH of the emitted high beam is changed to a light distribution pattern 200 having a dimming region 81. The control flow of the control unit CO is not particularly limited.

[0094] However, in the vehicle headlamp described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, light is not irradiated onto other vehicles and the surrounding area, so forward visibility tends to decrease.

[0095] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a first lamp unit 10, a second lamp unit 20, a region determination unit 55, and a control unit CO. The first lamp unit 10 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h that can change the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13a-13h, and emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h so that the first irradiation spots S1a-S1h illuminated by the light from the respective light-emitting elements 13a-13h are aligned in the left-right direction. The second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 that can change the amount of light emitted from the respective light-emitting elements 23, and emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 so that the second irradiation spots S2 illuminated by the light from the respective light-emitting elements 23 are aligned in a matrix shape. The region determination unit 55 determines a predetermined region 80 that overlaps with a viewing portion for a driver of the other vehicle 90 to view the outside of the vehicle when a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle 90 located in front of the vehicle 100 is input from the detection device 110. The second illumination spot S2 is smaller than the first illumination spots S1a to S1h, and the first illumination spots S1b to S1g overlap with the second illumination spots S2. When the region determination unit 55 does not determine the predetermined region 80, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20. When the region determination unit 55 determines the predetermined region 80, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 13e, 13f corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e, S1f overlapping the predetermined region 80 is reduced or becomes zero. In this case, the control unit CO controls the second lighting unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps the specified area 80 decreases or becomes zero, and light is emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the specified area 80 but does not overlap with the specified area 80.

[0096] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and irradiated to the visual recognition portion of the other vehicle 90 is reduced or zero, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and irradiated to the visual recognition portion of the other vehicle 90 is reduced or zero. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment can suppress dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle 90. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, light is irradiated to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f in which the amount of irradiated light is reduced and does not overlap with the predetermined region 80. Therefore, the light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated to at least a part of the region that does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 among the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f in which the amount of irradiated light is reduced. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment can improve forward visibility compared to a case in which the second lamp unit 20 is not provided.

[0097] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the predetermined region 80 is determined by the region determination unit 55, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap the predetermined region 80 but does not overlap the predetermined region 80 does not change from the amount of light when the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination unit 55. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the control of the second lamp unit 20 by the control unit CO can be simplified compared to the case where the amount of light changes.

[0098] In addition, when the predetermined region 80 is determined by the region determination section 55, the control section CO may control the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap the predetermined region 80 but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 is increased compared to when the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination section 55. In this case, compared to when the amount of light does not increase, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 irradiated to at least a part of the region that does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 among the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f in which the amount of irradiated light is reduced can be increased, and forward visibility can be further improved. In addition, when the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination unit 55, the amount of light is preferably a total amount of light obtained by adding together the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 and the amount of light from the second lamp unit 10 irradiated to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap the predetermined region 80 and does not overlap with the predetermined region 80. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable in the region that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined region 80 and does not overlap with the predetermined region 80.

[0099] Furthermore, in the case where at least one first irradiation spot overlaps with at least two second irradiation spots as in this embodiment, if the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination section 55, the control section CO may control the second lighting unit 20 so that the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap the predetermined region 80 but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 and is closer to the predetermined region 80 emits a greater amount of light.

[0100] For example, as in the present embodiment, when a part of the first irradiation spot S1f with a reduced amount of light to be irradiated and a part of another first irradiation spot S1g adjacent to the first irradiation spot S1f overlap each other, as shown in FIG. 14, the overlapping area SA of the first irradiation spot S1f with a reduced amount of light to be irradiated and the other first irradiation spot S1g is irradiated with light from the light emitting element 13g corresponding to the other first irradiation spot S1g. Here, in the irradiation spot irradiated with light, the intensity of the light irradiated from the center side toward the outer edge side tends to decrease. Therefore, the intensity of the light from the light emitting element 13g corresponding to the other first irradiation spot S1g irradiated to the above-mentioned overlapping area SA tends to increase as it approaches the predetermined area 80. In the above-mentioned vehicle headlamp, the intensity of the light irradiated is higher for the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f with a reduced amount of light to be irradiated and does not overlap with the predetermined area 80, the closer to the predetermined area 80 the second irradiation spot S2 is. Therefore, for example, when a second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with a first irradiation spot S1f having a reduced amount of light emitted but does not overlap with the specified area 80 overlaps with the overlap area SA, the light intensity in the overlap area SA can be made uniform, thereby preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable in the overlap area SA.

[0101] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination unit 55, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, in this case, the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by light including the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the light emitted from the second lamp unit. As described above, at least one first irradiation spot overlaps at least one second irradiation spot. Therefore, the region irradiated with the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the region irradiated with the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 can be made to overlap each other. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the degree of freedom of the light intensity distribution in the high beam light distribution pattern PH to be formed can be improved compared to the case where the light from the second lamp unit 20 is not emitted in the above case. Furthermore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 and to reduce the number of the light-emitting elements 23, compared to the case where the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed only by the second lamp unit 20. This makes it possible to prevent the heat generated by the light-emitting elements 23 from becoming difficult to disperse, and thus to prevent the light-emitting elements 23 from overheating.

[0102] The vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment further includes a determination unit 50 that determines whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement based on information from the detection device 110. The predetermined requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance. When the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirement, the region determination unit 55 determines the predetermined region 80 as described above, and the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 are controlled by the control unit CO as described above. When the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, the occupants of the other vehicle tend to be less likely to be dazzled. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a change in the high beam light distribution pattern PH when the occupants of the other vehicle are less likely to be dazzled. The region determination unit 55 may determine the predetermined region 80 as described above when a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is input from the detection device 110 regardless of the determination of the determination unit 50, and the vehicle headlamp 1 may not include the determination unit 50. In this case, for example, when detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 directly outputs to the area determination unit 55 a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle.

[0103] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

[0104] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. Therefore, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment. Note that although the control flowchart of the control unit in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the operation of the control unit CO in steps SP15 and SP16 is different. Therefore, steps SP15 and SP16 will be described, and the description of the other steps SP11 to SP14 and SP17 will be omitted.

[0105] (Step SP15) In step SP15 of this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the third lamp unit 30 to emit light and the second lamp unit 20 to not emit light so that a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60 to cause the power supply circuit 60 to supply a predetermined power to all the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, stop the supply of power to all the light-emitting elements 23, and supply a predetermined power to the light-emitting element 32a. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11. Therefore, the first lamp unit 10 emits light similar to that in step SP15 of the first embodiment, the third lamp unit 30 emits light similar to that in step SP15 of the first embodiment, and the second lamp unit 20 does not emit light. Therefore, a high beam light distribution pattern having the same outer shape as the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 11 is formed. The light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the region 70 in this high beam light distribution pattern differs from the light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the region 70 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG.

[0106] (Step SP16) In step SP16 of this embodiment, for example, when the predetermined region 80 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is formed by the region determination unit 55, the control unit CO controls the plurality of light emitting elements 13a-13h of the first lamp unit 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. For this reason, the control unit CO controls the light emitting elements 13e-13f so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 13e-13e corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1e-13f overlapping the predetermined region 80 is reduced from the amount of light when emitting a high beam. In addition, the control unit CO controls the light emitting elements 13a-13d-13g-13h corresponding to the first irradiation spots S1a-13d-13g-13h not overlapping the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 13a-13d-13g-13h is the amount of light when emitting a high beam. In this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting elements 13e-13f is set to zero.

[0107] Here, in this embodiment, when the high beam is emitted, the light from the second lamp unit 20 is not emitted. The control unit CO controls the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 overlapping the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 is zero, similar to when the high beam is emitted. In addition, the control unit CO controls the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 hatched in FIG. 14 so that light is emitted from the light emitting element 23. In addition, the control unit CO controls the light emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that does not overlap the first irradiation spots S1e and S1f overlapping the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light emitting element 23 is zero, similar to when the high beam is emitted. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 so that the amount of light emitted from each light emitting element 23 becomes like this, and the power supplied to each light emitting element 23 is adjusted by the driver of the power supply circuit 60. In this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second irradiation spot S2 so that the amount of light from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second irradiation spot S2 is the same as the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 that is irradiated to the second irradiation spot S2 when emitting the high beam.

[0108] In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit CO controls the third lamp unit 30 so that light having a specific light distribution pattern identical to the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when emitting a high beam is emitted, regardless of the specified area 80.

[0109] In this manner, the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 are controlled by the control unit CO to form a light distribution pattern that has the same external shape as the light distribution pattern 200 shown in Fig. 15, has a reduced amount of light compared to when a high beam is emitted, and has a dimming region 81 that overlaps with the windshield 91 as a visible part of another vehicle 90. Note that the light intensity distribution in this light distribution pattern differs from that of the light distribution pattern 200 shown in Fig. 15.

[0110] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and irradiated to the visual recognition portion of the other vehicle 90 is reduced, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and irradiated to the visual recognition portion of the other vehicle 90 is reduced, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment can suppress dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle 90. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, light is irradiated to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f in which the amount of irradiated light has been reduced and does not overlap with the predetermined region 80, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated to at least a part of the region that does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 among the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f in which the amount of irradiated light has been reduced. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment can improve forward visibility, as in the first embodiment, compared to a case in which the second lamp unit 20 is not provided.

[0111] Although the first aspect of the present invention has been described using the first and second embodiments as examples, the first aspect of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0112] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the first lamp unit 10 is described as emitting light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h such that the first irradiation spots S1a-S1h, to which the light from each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h is irradiated, are aligned in a row in the left-right direction. However, the first lamp unit may emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements such that the first irradiation spots are aligned at least in the left-right direction. For example, the first lamp unit may emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements such that the first irradiation spots are aligned vertically and horizontally, or may emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements such that the first irradiation spots are aligned in a plurality of rows in the left-right direction. As an example of the configuration of such a first lamp unit, for example, in the first embodiment, a configuration in which the light distribution pattern forming portion includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix shape is given.

[0113] In the first and second embodiments, the second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 that can change the amount of light emitted individually, and emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 such that second illumination spots illuminated by the light from each of the light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix. However, the second lamp unit 20 may have a configuration as shown in FIG.

[0114] Fig. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a second lamp unit according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 16, the second lamp unit 20 of this modified example is mainly different from the first lamp unit 10 of the above embodiment in that it includes a light source 41, a reflector 42, a reflecting device 43, and a light absorbing plate 45 instead of the light distribution pattern forming part 12.

[0115] The light source 41 is a light emitting element that emits light. In this modification, the light source 41 is disposed so as to emit light forward. An example of the light source 41 is an LED.

[0116] The reflector 42 is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source 41 by the reflection surface 42r and irradiate the light on a reflection control surface of the reflection device 43 described later. In this modified example, the reflector 42 is a curved plate-like member and is arranged to cover the light source 41 from the front side. The surface of the reflector 42 facing the light source 41 is the reflection surface 42r. This reflection surface 42r is curved so as to be concave on the side opposite to the light source 41 side, and is configured to collect the light emitted from the light source 41 based on, for example, an ellipsoidal curved surface and irradiate the light on the reflection control surface.

[0117] The reflection device 43 of this modified example is a so-called DMD (Digital Mirror Device), has a reflection control surface 43r that reflects incident light, and is configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern by the light reflected by the reflection control surface 43r. The reflection device 43 is disposed above the light source 41 and behind the reflector 42 so that the reflection control surface 43r faces forward. The reflection control surface 43r is irradiated with light emitted from the light source 41 and reflected by the reflector 42. The reflection control surface 43r is composed of the reflection surfaces of a plurality of reflection elements arranged in a matrix, and these reflection elements are supported on a substrate so as to be individually tiltable. The plurality of reflection elements are individually switchable between a first tilt state in which the light from the reflector 42 is reflected toward the projection lens 15 and a second tilt state in which the light from the reflector 42 is reflected toward a light absorbing plate 45 described later. Such a reflecting device 43 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by light from the reflection control surface 43r toward the projection lens 15 by controlling the tilt state of the reflecting elements. In addition, the light intensity distribution of the predetermined light distribution pattern can be made to be a desired intensity distribution by controlling the tilt state of these reflecting elements over time. In other words, the multiple reflecting elements of this reflecting device 43 are arranged in a matrix so that the amount of light emitted in the direction toward the projection lens 15 can be individually changed, and this reflecting device 43 can be understood to form a predetermined light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the reflecting surfaces of the multiple reflecting elements. In addition, the illumination spots onto which the light emitted from each reflecting element of this reflecting device 43 in the direction toward the projection lens 15 is irradiated are arranged in a matrix.

[0118] The light absorbing plate 45 is a plate-like member having light absorbing properties, and is configured to convert most of the incident light into heat. In this modification, the light absorbing plate 45 is disposed forward and above the reflecting device 43, and light traveling from the reflection control surface 43r toward the light absorbing plate 45 is incident on the light absorbing plate 45, and most of this light is converted into heat. As the light absorbing plate 45, for example, a plate-like member made of a metal such as aluminum and having a surface that is black anodized or the like can be mentioned.

[0119] Even if the second lamp unit 20 has such a configuration, it is possible to improve forward visibility while suppressing dazzle for passengers of other vehicles, as in the first and second embodiments. Although not described, the light distribution pattern forming portion may be, for example, LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) or a diffraction grating that diffracts incident light to emit light of a predetermined light distribution pattern. Also, the first lamp unit 10 may have such a configuration.

[0120] In the first and second embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 including the third lamp unit 30 has been described as an example. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not necessarily have to include the third lamp unit 30. The configuration of the third lamp unit 30 is not particularly limited. The third lamp unit 30 may be, for example, a parabolic lamp or a direct lens lamp, and may be configured such that the light distribution pattern of the emitted light cannot be changed. In the above embodiments, the low beam is formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. However, the low beam may be formed only by the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30.

[0121] In the first and second embodiments, the lighting units 10, 20, and 30 are respectively provided with the housings 16, 26, and 36. However, the lighting units 10, 20, and 30 may share a single housing, and other members different from the housings of the lighting units 10, 20, and 30 may be housed in the lamp chamber of the single housing.

[0122] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described as a second aspect. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

[0123] Fig. 17 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that it does not include a region determination unit 55, it includes a memory ME separate from the control unit CO, and each lamp unit 5 does not include the first lamp unit 10.

[0124] When detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 of this embodiment outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the determination unit 50. Note that the detection device 110 may output these signals directly to the control unit CO.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirements, the determination unit 50 outputs to the control unit CO, as signals indicating the state of the other vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. The determination unit 50 also stores information indicating the distance and position in a memory ME described later. Note that the information stored in the memory ME is rewritten each time it is stored. Furthermore, when the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements and when no signal is input from the detection device 110 to the determination unit 50, the determination unit 50 does not output a signal to the control unit CO.

[0126] The memory ME is configured to store information and to be able to read the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), but may include any type of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a "non-transitory" recording medium includes all computer-readable recording media except for a transient, propagating signal, and does not exclude a volatile recording medium.

[0127] The memory ME stores a table in which information on the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 is associated with the state of the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110. Examples of the information on the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 include information on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22. Examples of the information on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 include information on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 when forming a low-beam light distribution pattern, forming a high-beam light distribution pattern, forming a light distribution pattern according to the other vehicle, and changing the light distribution pattern according to the other vehicle to a high-beam light distribution pattern. Examples of the state of the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 include the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. The memory ME also stores information on a predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a of the third lamp unit 30 and a reference value. The reference value is a value that is referred to by the control unit CO in controlling the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30, which will be described later, and is rewritten by the control unit CO. In this embodiment, this reference value is set to either zero or 1, and the initial value is set to zero.

[0128] In this embodiment, when a signal indicating emission of a low beam is input from the light switch 120, the control unit CO refers to information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the light distribution pattern of the low beam and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and supplies the predetermined power to the light-emitting element 32a. Then, light that becomes a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The light distribution pattern PL of the low beam in this embodiment is the same as the light distribution pattern PL of the low beam in the first embodiment.

[0129] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 form a high beam light distribution pattern. When a signal indicating emission of a high beam is input from the light switch 120, the control unit CO refers to the information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the high beam light distribution pattern and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted by the driver of the power supply circuit 60, and the predetermined power is supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. Then, light that becomes a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that, in this embodiment, the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same as the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 when emitting a low beam.

[0130] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In FIG. 18, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. Also, in FIG. 18, an area 70 into which the second lamp unit 20 can irradiate light is shown by a broken line. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the area 70 is a rectangle that is elongated in the left-right direction, similar to the outer shape of the area 70 in the first embodiment. However, the area 70 in this embodiment is wider to the right, left, and upward than the area 70 in the first embodiment. That is, the light distribution pattern forming part 22 of the second lamp unit 20 and the projection lens 25 are adjusted so as to become like this. The hot zone HZH, which is the area with the highest light intensity in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and overlaps with the area 70. Moreover, the high beam light distribution pattern PH is generally symmetrical, and the center in the horizontal direction of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is located on or near the vertical line V. Although not particularly shown, the hot zone HZL in the low beam light distribution pattern PL is included in the overlap region 71 that overlaps with the region 70 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, similar to the first embodiment.

[0131] In this embodiment, when the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, light is emitted from all the light-emitting elements 23 in the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, the light from the light-emitting elements 23 is irradiated to the region 70. The light intensity distribution in the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the region overlapping with the region 70 is, for example, a distribution in which the intensity decreases as the distance from the hot zone HZH increases. In other words, the control unit CO adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 so that the light intensity in this region 70 has such a distribution. In this way, the light is emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30, so that the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the vehicle headlamp 1 is switched between the light distribution pattern of the high beam and a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle in response to the detection of the other vehicle by the detection device 110.

[0132] Next, an operation for switching the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment between a high beam light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern according to another vehicle will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP21 to SP24.

[0133] (Step SP21) The light switch 120 selects emission of high beams, and a signal indicating emission of high beams is input from the light switch 120 to the control unit CO, which is the start state in Fig. 19. The reference value stored in the memory ME is an initial value of zero.

[0134] In this step, the control unit CO judges whether or not the other vehicle is detected by the detection device 110 and the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement based on a signal input from the judgment unit 50. As described above, when the detection device 110 detects the other vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the judgment unit 50. Furthermore, when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 satisfies the predetermined requirement, the judgment unit 50 outputs a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 to the control unit CO as a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle. Therefore, when the control unit CO receives a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the judgment unit 50, it judges that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirement and proceeds to step SP22. On the other hand, when the control unit CO does not receive a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the judgment unit 50, it judges that the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirement and proceeds to step SP23. If the detection device 110 does not detect another vehicle, the signal indicating the state of the other vehicle is not input to the determination unit 50, and the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is not input to the control unit CO. Therefore, even in such a case, the control flow proceeds to step SP13.

[0135] (Step SP22) In this step, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to a table stored in the memory ME based on a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. Then, the control unit CO outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information on the state of the other vehicle and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so that light of the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information on the state of the other vehicle is generated, and the predetermined power is supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, light that becomes the light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO stores information on the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 in the memory ME, rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to 1, and advances the control flow to step SP24. Therefore, it can be understood that when the reference value is 1, the vehicle headlamp 1 is in a state where it is emitting light in a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle, and when the reference value is zero, the vehicle headlamp 1 is in a state where it is not emitting light in a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle.

[0136] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle is detected as another vehicle by detection device 110. In Fig. 20, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and a light distribution pattern 300 formed on a virtual vertical screen located 25 m ahead of vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line.

[0137] In this embodiment, the shape of the light distribution pattern 300 is the same as the shape of the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. However, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is less than the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 irradiated to the region corresponding to the predetermined region 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the intensity of the light in the predetermined region 310 is lower than the predetermined reference intensity. In this embodiment, the intensity of the light in the predetermined region 310 is approximately constant. Note that the predetermined region 310 may be an area where light is not irradiated. In this way, in the predetermined region 310, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is reduced compared to when the above-mentioned determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements. On the other hand, the light intensity distribution in the region other than the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is approximately the same as the light intensity distribution in the region other than the region corresponding to the predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern PH. Therefore, the areas of the light distribution pattern 300 other than the predetermined area 310 are areas where the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is not reduced, and are brighter than the predetermined area 310. The light distribution pattern 300 is a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined area 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced.

[0138] The predetermined area 310 is located within the area 70 where light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated, and overlaps with a visual recognition portion for a driver of the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle. It is preferable that the predetermined area 310 overlaps with the entire visual recognition portion of the other vehicle. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the predetermined area 310 is rectangular in shape and includes the entire other vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 110, and the side mirrors and rear window as visual recognition portions are located within the predetermined area 310.

[0139] Next, step SP23 showing the operation of the control unit CO when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 does not satisfy the predetermined requirements will be described.

[0140] (Step SP23) In this step, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 so that a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The control of the second lamp unit 20 by the control unit CO differs depending on whether the reference value stored in the memory ME is zero or 1. First, a case where the reference value stored in the memory ME is the initial value, zero, will be described.

[0141] The control unit CO refers to a reference value stored in the memory ME, and if the reference value is zero, refers to information related to the high beam light distribution pattern stored in the memory ME. Then, as described above, the control unit CO outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the high beam light distribution pattern and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so as to generate light that becomes the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light that becomes the high beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP24.

[0142] On the other hand, when the reference value is 1, as described above, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicle even though the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 does not satisfy the predetermined requirements or the other vehicle is not detected by the detection device 110. An example of such a state is when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 is no longer detected. When the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle, for example, when the preceding vehicle and the vehicle 100 are traveling uphill, the preceding vehicle goes over the top of the uphill slope and the preceding vehicle is no longer detected by the detection device 110. When the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, for example, when the oncoming vehicle enters a parking lot and is hidden by a building or the like, the oncoming vehicle is no longer detected by the detection device 110.

[0143] As described above, when the other vehicle is in a state that satisfies a predetermined requirement, the determination unit 50 stores information indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 in the memory ME. For this reason, information indicating the state of the other vehicle immediately before the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirement is stored in the memory ME. The control unit CO refers to the reference value stored in the memory ME, and when the reference value is 1, refers to the table stored in the memory ME based on the information indicating the state of the other vehicle stored in the memory ME. Then, the control unit CO outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 when changing the light distribution pattern 300 according to the information indicating the state of the other vehicle to the light distribution pattern PH of high beam. The control unit CO also outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so that the light distribution pattern 300 according to the information regarding the other vehicle is changed to the light distribution pattern PH of high beam, and a predetermined power is supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the light distribution pattern 300 according to the other vehicle changes to the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and light that becomes the high beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. For this reason, if the state in which light of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted is defined as the first state, and the state in which light of the light distribution pattern 300 according to the other vehicle is emitted is defined as the second state, it can be understood that the vehicle headlamp 1 switches from the second state to the first state. Then, the control unit CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to zero, and the control flow proceeds to step SP24.

[0144] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to another vehicle in this embodiment, and is a diagram showing an enlarged view of a predetermined region 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300. Note that the state shown in FIG. 21 is a state in which, for example, when the vehicle 100 emitting light having the light distribution pattern 300 shown in FIG. 20 and the preceding vehicle are traveling uphill, the preceding vehicle passes the top of the uphill slope and is no longer detected by the detection device 110. In this embodiment, first, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. In other words, it can be understood that the region 311 is a region where the amount of light is returned to the first state in which the high beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases upward from the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310. The region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is a rectangular region extending along the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310. The shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as the region 311 is in contact with the lower edge DE. In FIG. 21, the region 311 is hatched to facilitate understanding.

[0145] Next, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state so that the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state spreads upward. In this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases as the area moves away from the area 311. Therefore, while the area close to the area 311 is maintained in a brighter state than the area far from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is sequentially increased from the area close to the area 311, and the area 311 spreads. Then, the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state, and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the light distribution pattern PH of the high beam.

[0146] It is sufficient that the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state expands upward over time from the lower edge DE of the predetermined area 310. For example, when the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in an area of ​​the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311, the amount of light may increase in the entire area or in a part of the area.

[0147] Thus, in this step, when the vehicle headlamp 1 is in the second state, the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to that in the first state expands over time, causing the area where the light amount is reduced to become smaller over time, and when this area where the light amount is reduced disappears, the vehicle headlamp 1 switches from the second state to the first state.

[0148] (Step SP24) In this step, the control unit CO judges whether or not a signal indicating emission of a high beam is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP21. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60 to cause the power supply circuit 60 to stop the supply of power to each of the light-emitting elements 23 and the light-emitting element 32a, to stop the emission of light from the vehicle headlamp 1, and to end this control.

[0149] In this manner, in this embodiment, the state of the vehicle headlamp 1 is switched between a state in which a high beam is emitted and a state in which light with a light distribution pattern according to the other vehicle is emitted depending on whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement. Note that the control flow of the control unit CO is not limited to the control flow shown in FIG.

[0150] Incidentally, the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 describes that the state of the vehicle headlamp is switched from a first state in which light having a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted to a second state in which light having a light distribution pattern in which a light blocking area is formed in the predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted, but does not describe switching from the second state to the first state. For example, when switching from the second state to the first state instantaneously, the entire light blocking area is suddenly illuminated with light, which may cause the driver to feel uncomfortable.

[0151] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a second lamp unit 20. The second lamp unit 20 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 arranged in a matrix, and the light quantity of the emitted light can be changed individually, and emits light having a light distribution pattern according to the light quantity of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23. The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can be switched between a first state in which a high beam, which is light of a predetermined light distribution pattern, is emitted, and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern 300 in which the light quantity of a predetermined area 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced is emitted. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined area 310 is made to overlap with a viewing portion for a driver of another vehicle to view the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle by switching from the first state to the second state. In addition, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the first state to the second state, the amount of light in a part of the region 311 of the predetermined region 310 is returned to the amount of light in the region 311 in the first state, and the region 311 expands over time. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the region 311 in the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter, and the bright region 311 expands over time. In other words, the region where the amount of light is reduced becomes smaller over time. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the change in brightness in the predetermined region 310, compared to the case where the state is instantly switched from the second state to the first state.

[0152] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the region 311 expands upward from the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310 over time. Objects to which the driver pays attention include, for example, pedestrians and obstacles on the road as well as other vehicles. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined region 310 can be illuminated from the side closer to the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, if the predetermined region overlaps with a pedestrian or obstacle on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, for example, the driver can be made to recognize the pedestrian or obstacle more quickly.

[0153] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in the region other than the region 311 in the predetermined region 310 so that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the region 311. As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 in the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter, and the bright region 311 spreads over time. For this reason, by adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the predetermined region 310 can be made darker the farther away from the bright region, and the boundary between the bright region and the dark region can be made inconspicuous. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the change in brightness in the predetermined region 310.

[0154] The vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment further includes a determination unit 50 that determines whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement based on information from the detection device 110. The predetermined requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance, and the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 as described above when the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirement. When the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, the occupants of the other vehicle tend to be less likely to be dazzled. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a change in the high beam light distribution pattern PH when the occupants of the other vehicle are less likely to be dazzled. The control unit CO may control the second lamp unit 20 as described above when a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is input from the detection device 110 regardless of the determination of the determination unit 50, and the vehicle headlamp 1 may not include the determination unit 50. In this case, for example, when the detection device 110 detects another vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle directly to the control unit CO, and stores information indicating the state of the other vehicle in the memory ME.

[0155] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment as the second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. The same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, the manner in which the amount of light changes in the predetermined area 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 200 changes in response to another vehicle in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0156] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases downward from the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310. In addition, the region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is a rectangular region extending along the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as the region 311 is in contact with the upper edge UE. Then, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state so that the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state spreads downward. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases as the area moves away from the area 311. Therefore, while the area close to the area 311 is kept brighter than the area far from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is sequentially increased from the area close to the area 311. Then, the area 311 spreads. Then, the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state, and the state is switched from the second state to the first state. In FIG. 22, the area 311 is hatched for easy understanding.

[0157] It is sufficient that the region 311 that has been returned to the light amount in the first state expands downward over time from the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310. For example, when the light amount from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in a region of the predetermined region 310 other than the region 311, the light amount may increase in the entire region or in a part of the region.

[0158] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this bright area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0159] In this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 spreads downward from the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310 over time, so that the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter from the upper side. Here, the sign is located above the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, for example, if the predetermined region 310 and a sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can recognize the sign more quickly.

[0160] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 such that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0161] Fifth embodiment Next, the fifth embodiment as the second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. The same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, the manner in which the amount of light changes in the predetermined area 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to another vehicle in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0162] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the left side. In addition, the region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is a rectangular region extending along the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as the region 311 is in contact with the right edge RE. Then, the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 is further increased over time in the area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state so that the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state spreads to the left. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases as the area moves away from the area 311. Therefore, while the area close to the area 311 is maintained brighter than the area far from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is sequentially increased from the area close to the area 311, and the area 311 spreads. Then, the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state, and the state is switched from the second state to the first state. Note that in FIG. 23, the area 311 is hatched for ease of understanding.

[0163] When the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in an area other than the area 311 in the specified area 310, the amount of light may increase in the entire area, or in only a part of the area.

[0164] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this bright area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0165] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 such that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0166] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 spreads from the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the left side over time, so that the right side of the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter. Therefore, compared with the case where the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter from both the left and right sides, it is possible to simplify the adjustment of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23, and it is possible to simplify the control of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 by the control unit CO. Note that, from the viewpoint of simplifying the control of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23, when switching from the second state to the first state, it is sufficient that the region 311 spreads from one edge of the predetermined region 310 toward the other side in the left-right direction over time. For example, the region 311 may spread from the left edge LE of the predetermined region 310 toward the right side over time. In addition, in this configuration in which area 311 expands over time from one edge of specified area 310 in the left-right direction to the other side, if specified area 310 overlaps with a sign located on the shoulder of the road and area 311 expands from the edge on the side on which the sign is located in the left-right direction, the driver can quickly become aware of the sign.

[0167] In this embodiment, the center of the predetermined area 310 in the left-right direction is located to the left of the vertical line V. As described above, since the center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the left-right direction is located on or near the vertical line V, the center of the predetermined area 310 in the left-right direction is shifted to the left from the center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the left-right direction. When switching from the second state to the first state, the area 311 expands from the right edge RE of the predetermined area 310 toward the left side. Although not illustrated, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the center of the predetermined area 310 in the left-right direction is shifted to the right from the center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the left-right direction, when switching from the second state to the first state, the area 311 expands from the left edge LE of the predetermined area 310 toward the right side. Therefore, it can be understood that the center of the predetermined region 310 is shifted to a predetermined side in the left-right direction from the left-right center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the region 311 spreads from an edge opposite to the predetermined side in the left-right direction of the predetermined region 310 toward the predetermined side over time. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment having such a configuration, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined region 310 can be brightened from the side closer to the vertical line V passing through the center of the vehicle 100 among both sides in the left-right direction of the predetermined region 310. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to more effectively prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the change in brightness in the predetermined region 310, compared to the case where the predetermined region 310 is brightened from the side farther from the vertical line V passing through the center of the vehicle 100 among both sides in the left-right direction of the predetermined region 310.

[0168] Sixth embodiment Next, the sixth embodiment as the second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. The same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, the manner in which the amount of light changes in the predetermined area 310 when switching from the second state to the first state differs from that in the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to another vehicle in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0169] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the entire circumference of the outer periphery consisting of the upper, lower, left, and right edges UE, DE, LE, and RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the inside of the predetermined region 310. In addition, the region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is an annular region extending along the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as the region 311 is in contact with the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Then, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state so that the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state spreads toward the inside of the predetermined area 310. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases as the distance from the area 311 increases. Therefore, while the area close to the area 311 is maintained brighter than the area far from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is sequentially increased from the area close to the area 311. Then, the area 311 spreads. Then, the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state, and the state is switched from the second state to the first state. In FIG. 24, the area 311 is hatched for easy understanding.

[0170] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of the present embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 spreads from the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 toward the inside of the predetermined region 310 over time. Therefore, the predetermined region 310 can be brightened faster than when the region 311 spreads from a part of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Therefore, the driver can recognize a sign or the like overlapping with the predetermined region 310 more quickly. Also, compared to when the region 311 spreads from a part of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310, the driver can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable, and the driver can be given a sense of security. Note that it is sufficient that the region 311, which has been returned to the light amount in the first state, spreads from the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 toward the inside of the predetermined region 310 over time. For example, when the light amount from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in a region other than the region 311 in the predetermined region 310, the light amount may increase in the entire region, or the light amount may increase in a part of the region.

[0171] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this bright area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0172] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 such that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0173] The manner in which the region 311 spreads is not particularly limited. For example, the region 311 may spread from the left and right edges LE, RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the inside of the predetermined region 310, or may spread from the top and bottom edges UE, DE of the predetermined region 310 toward the inside of the predetermined region 310. Even if the region 311 spreads in this way, it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness of the predetermined region 310, similar to the third embodiment.

[0174] Seventh embodiment Next, the seventh embodiment as the second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components identical or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, the manner in which the amount of light changes in the predetermined area 310 when switching from the second state to the first state is different from that in the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to another vehicle in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined area 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0175] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the inside of the predetermined region 310 toward the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. In addition, the region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is a rectangular region located inside the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 and overlapping with the center of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape and position of the region 311 are not particularly limited as long as the region 311 is separated from the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Then, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state so that the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state spreads toward the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of the light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases as the area moves away from the area 311. Therefore, while the area close to the area 311 is maintained in a brighter state than the area far from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is sequentially increased from the area close to the area 311. Then, the area 311 spreads. Then, the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the amount of light in the first state, and the state is switched from the second state to the first state. In FIG. 25, the area 311 is hatched for easy understanding.

[0176] It is sufficient that the area 311 that has been returned to the light amount in the first state expands over time from the inside of the predetermined area 310 toward the outside of the predetermined area 310. For example, when the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in an area of ​​the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311, the amount of light may increase in the entire area or in a part of the area.

[0177] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this bright area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0178] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 such that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0179] In addition, in this embodiment, the speed at which the region 311 spreads downward is approximately the same as the speed at which the region 311 spreads upward, but it may be faster than the speed at which the region 311 spreads upward. With this configuration, when switching from the second state to the first state, the lower side of the predetermined region 310 can be brightened faster than the upper side. Therefore, with such a vehicle headlamp, for example, when the predetermined region 310 overlaps with a pedestrian, obstacle, or the like on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can be made aware of the pedestrian, obstacle, or the like more quickly.

[0180] Alternatively, the speed at which region 311 spreads upward may be faster than the speed at which region 311 spreads downward. With this configuration, when switching from the second state to the first state, the upper side of predetermined region 310 can be brightened faster than the lower side. Therefore, with such a vehicle headlamp, for example, when predetermined region 310 and a sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can recognize the sign more quickly.

[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 coincides with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 at the same time. However, the upper side of the outer periphery of the region 311 may coincide with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 before the lower side. Alternatively, the lower side of the outer periphery of the region 311 may coincide with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 before the upper side.

[0182] Although the second aspect of the present invention has been described using the third to seventh embodiments as examples, the second aspect of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0183] For example, in the second embodiment as well, the second lamp unit 20 may have the configuration as shown in FIG.

[0184] In the third to seventh embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 including the third lamp unit 30 has been described as an example. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not need to include the third lamp unit 30. In this case, for example, the number of light-emitting elements 23 is increased to widen the area 70 that can be irradiated with the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20, and the light from the second lamp unit 20 forms a high beam light distribution pattern, a low beam light distribution pattern, and a light distribution pattern corresponding to another vehicle. In addition, the configuration of the third lamp unit 30 is not particularly limited. The third lamp unit 30 may be, for example, a parabolic lamp.

[0185] In the third to seventh embodiments, the lamp units 20, 30 are respectively provided with the housings 26, 36. However, the lamp units 20, 30 may share a single housing, and members other than the housings of the lamp units 20, 30 may be housed within the lamp chamber of the single housing.

[0186] In the third to seventh embodiments, the predetermined region 310 that is not connected to the outer edge of the light distribution pattern 300 has been described as an example. However, the predetermined region 310 may be connected to the outer edge of the light distribution pattern 300. The light intensity in the predetermined region 310 may change depending on, for example, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle. The width of the predetermined region 310 in the left-right direction may change depending on, for example, the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle.

[0187] In the third to seventh embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 is switchable between a first state in which light of a high beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern 200 in which the amount of light in a predetermined area 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced is emitted. However, it is sufficient that the vehicle headlamp 1 is switchable between the first state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted and the second state in which light of a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined area in the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced is emitted.

[0188] Moreover, in the third to seventh embodiments, a case has been described as an example in which a preceding vehicle is detected as another vehicle by the detection device 110. However, the third to seventh embodiments can also be applied to a case in which the detection device 110 detects an oncoming vehicle as another vehicle.

[0189] In the third to seventh embodiments, the control unit CO controls the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 by referring to the table stored in the memory ME. However, the control unit CO may calculate information related to the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 based on information input from the determination unit 50, and control the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 based on this information.

[0190] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can improve forward visibility while suppressing dazzle for occupants of other vehicles, and according to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can suppress discomfort felt by the driver, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlights for automobiles, etc.

Claims

1. a lighting unit having a plurality of light emitting sections arranged in a matrix, the amount of light emitted being individually changeable, and emitting light having a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting sections; The light distribution pattern can be switched between a first state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined area in the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced is emitted, When switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in a portion of the predetermined region is returned to the amount of light in the portion of the predetermined region in the first state, and the portion of the predetermined region expands over time. A vehicle headlamp characterized by:

2. The partial region spreads upward from the lower edge of the predetermined region over time.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

3. The partial area spreads downward from the upper edge of the predetermined area over time.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

4. The partial area expands over time from one edge of the predetermined area in the left-right direction to the other edge.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

5. the center of the predetermined area is shifted to a predetermined side in the left-right direction from the center of the predetermined light distribution pattern in the left-right direction, The partial region spreads over time from an edge of the predetermined region opposite the predetermined side in the left-right direction toward the predetermined side.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 4.

6. The partial region spreads over time from the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region toward the inside of the predetermined region.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

7. The partial region expands over time from the inner side of the predetermined region toward the outer periphery of the predetermined region.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

8. The speed at which the partial region spreads downward is faster than the speed at which the partial region spreads upward.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7.

9. The speed at which the partial region spreads upward is faster than the speed at which the partial region spreads downward.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 7.

10. When switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in an area other than the partial area in the predetermined area such that the intensity of light decreases with distance from the partial area.

10. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1,

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