Headlight system

Abstract

To improve visibility ahead of a vehicle during a rainfall or the like.SOLUTION: A headlight system includes a headlight, a controller, and a weather detection unit. The headlight has at least a function of performing irradiation with a high beam from a first position or a second position relatively close to an outer side and / or a lower side of a vehicle as compared to the first position, and a function of performing irradiation with a low beam from a third position or a fourth position relatively close to the outer side and / or the lower side of the vehicle as compared to the third position. When weather detected by the weather detection unit does not satisfy a prescribed criterion, the controller controls the headlight so as to cause the irradiation with the high beam to be performed from the first position, and cause the irradiation with the low beam to be performed from the fourth position. When the weather is rainy weather satisfying the prescribed criterion, the controller controls the headlight so as to cause the irradiation with the high beam to be performed from the second position, and cause the irradiation with the low beam to be performed from the third position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to headlamp systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6032248 (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle lighting device that controls headlights to dim and illuminate a portion of the road surface ahead of the vehicle that corresponds to the road shape estimated by a travel path estimation unit when weather conditions that result in poor visibility ahead of the vehicle are detected. This vehicle lighting device is also controlled so as not to illuminate a high place during rain or snowfall. However, it is believed that there is room for further improvement in terms of improving visibility ahead of the vehicle during rain or snowfall. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6032248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the objects of a specific aspect of the present disclosure is to improve visibility ahead of a vehicle during rainy weather, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A headlamp system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a headlight installed in a vehicle; a controller connected to the headlamp and controlling the operation of the headlamp; a weather detection unit connected to the controller for detecting the weather at the current location of the vehicle; Including, The headlamp has at least a function of irradiating high beam from a first position or a second position relatively closer to the outside and / or the lower side of the vehicle than the first position, and a function of irradiating low beam from a third position or a fourth position relatively closer to the outside and / or the lower side of the vehicle than the third position. When the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not meet a predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the first position and irradiate the low beam from the fourth position. When the weather is rainy weather that meets the predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the second position and irradiate the low beam from the third position. It is a headlamp system.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the visibility in front of the vehicle during rainfall or the like can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Fig. 1(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of a headlamp system according to an embodiment. The illustrated headlamp system includes a controller 10, a camera 11, a headlamp switch 12, a raindrop sensor 13, and a pair of headlamps 14R and 14L. This headlamp system is for performing light irradiation in front of the vehicle. The controller 10 is connected to the camera 11, the headlamp switch 12, the raindrop sensor 13, and each of the headlamps 14R and 14L.

[0009] The controller 10 controls the light irradiation by each of the headlamps 14R and 14L. This controller 10 can be configured using a computer system including, for example, a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a storage device 204 such as a flash memory, and an input / output interface (I / F) 205 as illustrated in Fig. 1(B).

[0010] The camera 11 detects situations such as the position of a pedestrian based on an image obtained by photographing the space in front of the host vehicle. The camera 11 photographs the space in front of the host vehicle to generate image data, and performs image recognition processing on the image data to detect situations in front of the host vehicle such as the position of a pedestrian, the position of a vehicle ahead (a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle), and white lines on the road. Note that this image processing function may be provided in the controller 10. In that case, image data is supplied from the camera 11 to the controller 10, and image recognition processing is performed by executing a predetermined program in the controller 10. Note that, as means for detecting the situation in front of the host vehicle, in addition to the above-described camera, an optical distance measurement sensor such as LiDAR may be used, or a millimeter-wave radar, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like may be used.

[0011] The headlight switch 12 is installed at a position operable by the driver near the driver's seat of the own vehicle. This headlight switch 12 is operated by the driver when it is desired to perform light irradiation by the headlights 14R and 14L.

[0012] The raindrop sensor 13 detects the rainfall amount (and / or raindrop diameter; the same applies hereinafter) at the location where the own vehicle is present, and outputs a signal (or data) indicating a change according to the rainfall amount. Various known types can be used as the raindrop sensor 13. For example, a sensor installed inside the front windshield of the own vehicle and detecting raindrops adhering to the outer surface of the glass by an optical method can be used.

[0013] A pair of headlights 14R and 14L are mounted at predetermined positions on the left and right of the front part of the own vehicle, and operate according to a control signal given from the controller 10 to perform light irradiation forward of the own vehicle. The headlights 14R and 14L of the present embodiment can irradiate low beam (passing light), high beam (driving light), and can also irradiate a selective high beam which is irradiation light obtained by partially dimming (or turning off) a range set according to the position of the vehicle ahead. The selective high beam is also referred to as an Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB). Each of the headlights 14R and 14L has a first light source unit 31 which is a light source unit capable of irradiating high beam (or selective high beam) and low beam, and a second light source unit 32 which is also a light source unit capable of irradiating high beam (or selective high beam) and low beam. The first light source unit 31 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle (see FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) described later).

[0014] The above-described controller 10 includes an irradiation state setting unit (irradiation state setting function) 20, a light distribution control unit (light distribution control function) 21, and a light distribution movement control unit (light distribution movement control function) 22 as functions realized by a program stored in the storage device 205 being read out and executed by the processor 201.

[0015] The irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state of the irradiation light by each of the headlamps 14R and 14L based on the situation in front of the host vehicle photographed by the camera 11 and the operation state of the headlamp switch 12.

[0016] For example, when the headlamp switch 12 is in a state indicating low beam irradiation, the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so that the first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 of each of the headlamps 14R and 14L is irradiated with low beam.

[0017] Further, when the headlamp switch 12 is in a state of irradiating both low beam and high beam, the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so that the first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 of each of the headlamps 14R and 14L is irradiated with low beam, and also sets the irradiation state so that the first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 is irradiated with high beam.

[0018] In addition, when the headlamp switch 12 is in a state indicating selective high beam irradiation, the irradiation state setting unit 20 irradiates the first light source unit 31 or the second light source unit 32 of each of the headlamps 14R and 14L with a selective high beam in which a light distribution pattern is set to include a dimming range corresponding to the position of the vehicle ahead (oncoming vehicle or preceding vehicle) photographed by the camera 11, and sets the irradiation state accordingly.

[0019] The light distribution control unit 21 generates a control signal for forming irradiation light corresponding to the irradiation state set by the irradiation state setting unit 20 in each of the headlamps 14R and 14L, and supplies this signal to each of the headlamps 14R and 14L.

[0020] The light distribution movement control unit 22 performs control to move the irradiation range of the irradiation light (high beam and low beam) formed by each of the headlamps 14R and 14L based on the rainfall amount (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the rain sensor 13.

[0021] FIG. 2(A) is a plan view schematically showing the irradiation range of the irradiation light before movement. As shown in FIG. 2(A), the high beam 51 irradiated by the first light source unit 31 of the headlamp 14R is irradiated in a range that spreads forward of the vehicle. The high beam 51 may be a selective high beam. Further, the low beam 52 irradiated by the second light source unit 32 of the headlamp 14R is irradiated in a range that spreads wider than the high beam 51. Generally, since the emission position of the low beam is often closer to the outside of the vehicle, in this embodiment as well, before the movement of the irradiation range, that is, normally, such an arrangement is adopted.

[0022] At this time, the line of sight E from the occupant 100 of the driver's seat toward the front of the vehicle overlaps the irradiation ranges of the high beam 51 and the low beam 52 as shown in the figure. Assuming that it is raining around the vehicle, light is scattered by the raindrops in the air in the range where the irradiation ranges of the high beam 51 and the low beam 52 overlap with the line of sight E, and a light curtain phenomenon occurs. The light curtain phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the space appears smoky white due to scattered light. When the light curtain phenomenon occurs, the visibility when the occupant 100 visually recognizes the front of the vehicle decreases.

[0023] FIG. 2(B) is a plan view schematically showing the irradiation range of the high beam after movement. As shown in FIG. 2(B), the high beam 51 by the first light source unit 31 is turned off, and instead, the high beam 53 is irradiated by the second light source unit 32. The irradiation range of this high beam 53 has moved to the right (that is, the outside of the vehicle) in the left-right direction with respect to the vehicle as compared with the high beam 51. Further, the low beam 52 by the second light source unit 32 is turned off, and instead, the low beam 54 is irradiated by the first light source unit 31. The irradiation range of this low beam 54 has moved to the left (that is, the inside of the vehicle) in the left-right direction with respect to the vehicle as compared with the low beam 52. Note that the "outside of the vehicle" is the side relatively closer to the side of the vehicle, and the "inside of the vehicle" is the side relatively farther from the side of the vehicle.

[0024] As a result, the overlapping range (distance) D2 between the irradiation range of the high beam 53 and the line of sight E of the occupant is shorter than the overlapping range (distance) D1 between the irradiation range of the high beam 51 and the line of sight E of the occupant. Therefore, the light curtain visually recognized by the occupant can be reduced.

[0025] In the headlight system of the present embodiment, based on the above principle, when it rains, the irradiation position of the high beam is moved, and at the same time, the irradiation position of the low beam is moved, thereby reducing the light curtain felt by the occupant and improving visibility. This will be described in more detail below.

[0026] FIG. 3(A) is a schematic front view for explaining a configuration example of a headlight. Here, a state of the headlight 14R as viewed from the front of the vehicle is schematically shown. Since the headlight 14L has a symmetric arrangement, its illustration is omitted. In the headlight 14R, the first light source unit 31 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle.

[0027] FIG. 3(B) is a schematic front view for explaining another configuration example of a headlight. Here, a state of the headlight 14R as viewed from the front of the vehicle is schematically shown. Since the headlight 14L has a symmetric arrangement, its illustration is omitted. Similar to the configuration of FIG. 3(A) described above, in the headlight 14R, the first light source unit 31 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the inside of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is disposed at a position relatively closer to the outside of the vehicle. Further, a third light source unit 33 is disposed between the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32. The third light source unit 33 is a light source unit capable of irradiating a high beam, a selective high beam, and a low beam, similar to the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32.

[0028] Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic front views showing configuration examples of a headlamp capable of moving the irradiation positions of high beam and low beam, respectively. Here, a configuration example of the right headlamp 14R of the vehicle is shown, but the left headlamp 14L of the vehicle can have a symmetric configuration. In the headlamp 14R of the configuration example shown in Fig. 4(A), the first light source unit 31 includes a high beam unit 31a and a low beam unit 31b, and the second light source unit 32 includes a high beam unit 32a and a low beam unit 32b. In the headlamp 14R of the configuration example shown in Fig. 4(B), the first light source unit 31 includes a high beam unit 31a and a low beam unit 31b, the second light source unit 32 includes a high beam unit 32a and a low beam unit 32b, and the third light source unit 33 includes a high beam unit 33a and a low beam unit 33b.

[0029] In the headlamp 14R of the configuration example shown in Fig. 4(A), the irradiation position of the high beam can be moved by selectively using the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 and the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32. That is, the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 can irradiate the high beam from a position relatively close to the inside of the vehicle (the first position), while the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 can irradiate the high beam from a position relatively close to the outside of the vehicle (the second position). Thereby, the irradiation range of the high beam can be moved.

[0030] Also, in the headlamp 14R of the configuration example shown in Fig. 4(A), the irradiation position of the low beam can be moved by selectively using the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 and the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32. That is, the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 can irradiate the low beam from a position relatively close to the inside of the vehicle (the third position), while the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 can irradiate the high beam from a position relatively close to the outside of the vehicle (the fourth position). Thereby, the irradiation range of the low beam can be moved.

[0031] The headlamp 14R in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4(B) can variably set the irradiation positions of the high beam and the low beam by the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32 in the same manner as the headlamp 14R in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4(A). Furthermore, by using the third light source unit 33, it is possible to irradiate the high beam and the low beam respectively from an intermediate position between a position relatively close to the inside of the vehicle and a position relatively close to the outside of the vehicle.

[0032] For example, the irradiation range of the high beam can be moved by switching between the case of irradiating the high beam using the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 and the high beam unit 33a of the third light source unit 33, and the case of irradiating the high beam using the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 and the high beam unit 33a of the third light source unit. Similarly, the irradiation range of the low beam can be moved by switching between the case of irradiating the low beam using the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 and the low beam unit 33b of the third light source unit, and the case of irradiating the low beam using the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 and the low beam unit 33b of the third light source unit 33.

[0033] Note that the configuration examples of the headlamps 14R and 14L are not limited to the above, and various known configurations can be adopted. For example, a light source unit having a configuration in which a light source bulb, a reflector, and a shielding plate are combined can be used to realize a light source unit capable of irradiating high beam, selective high beam, and low beam. Further, a light source unit in which light emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged in one direction or two directions and the lighting state of each light emitting element can be individually controlled can be used to realize a light source unit capable of irradiating high beam, selective high beam, and low beam. Further, a light source unit including a light source and a liquid crystal element or the like, and capable of individually controlling the light transmission state of each pixel of the liquid crystal element can be used to realize a light source unit capable of irradiating high beam, selective high beam, and low beam. Further, a light source unit including a light emitting element such as a laser diode and a scanning element such as a mirror device that scans the light emitted from the light emitting element, and capable of controlling the lighting and extinguishing timing of the light emitting element and the scanning timing by the scanning element can be used to realize a light source unit capable of irradiating high beam, selective high beam, and low beam.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the headlamp system. Note that, regarding each process shown here, as long as there are no contradictions or inconsistencies in the results of the information processing, their order can be changed, and other processes not explicitly shown here can also be added. Hereinafter, for the sake of easy understanding, the explanation will be made on the premise of using the headlamps 14L and 14R illustrated in FIG. 4(A).

[0035] When the headlamp switch 12 is on (step S11; YES), the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so as to turn on the low beam (step S12). In response to this set irradiation state, a control signal is output from the light distribution control unit 21, and the low beam is irradiated from the second light source unit 32 of each of the headlamps 14L and 14R.

[0036] When the rainfall amount (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 satisfies a predetermined weather condition (step S13; YES), the light distribution movement control unit 22 performs control to move the irradiation positions of the high beam and low beam by the headlight 14R that is at least relatively close to the driver's seat (step S14). Specifically, for the low beam, the irradiation state setting unit 20 is controlled so as to stop the irradiation by the second light source unit 32 and cause irradiation from the first light source unit 31. Also, for the high beam, the irradiation state setting unit 20 is controlled so as to stop the irradiation by the first light source unit 31 and cause irradiation from the second light source unit 32.

[0037] Here, as the weather condition, for example, when the rainfall amount is 20 mm / h or more (in the case of heavy rain), it can be considered to satisfy the weather condition. The weather condition may be determined by comparing the raindrop diameter with a predetermined reference value, or may be determined based on both the rainfall amount and the raindrop diameter.

[0038] Next, the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so as to activate the high beam function (step S15). In response to this set irradiation state, a control signal is output from the light distribution control unit 21, and high beam is irradiated from the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 of each of the headlights 14L and 14R. Selective high beam (Adaptive Driving Beam) may be irradiated as the high beam. Also, the high beam may be controlled to automatically turn off when a preceding vehicle is present.

[0039] When the rainfall amount (and / or raindrop diameter) detected by the raindrop sensor 13 no longer satisfies the predetermined weather conditions (step S16; YES), the light distribution movement control unit 22 performs control to return the irradiation position of the irradiation light by the headlamp 14R, which is at least relatively close to the driver's seat, to the original position (step S17). Specifically, regarding the high beam, the irradiation state setting unit 20 is controlled so as to stop the irradiation by the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 and cause irradiation from the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31. Also, regarding the low beam, the irradiation state setting unit 20 is controlled so as to stop the irradiation by the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 and cause irradiation from the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32.

[0040] Next, the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so as to activate the high beam function (step S18). By outputting a control signal from the light distribution control unit 21 according to this set irradiation state, high beam is irradiated from the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 of each of the headlamps 14L and 14R. Selective high beam (adaptive driving beam) may be irradiated as the high beam. Also, the high beam may be controlled to automatically turn off when a preceding vehicle exists. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

[0041] When the headlamp switch 12 is off or has been turned off (step S11; NO), the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so as to turn off the headlamps (high beam and low beam) (step S19). By outputting a control signal from the light distribution control unit 21 according to this set irradiation state, the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32 of each of the headlamps 14L and 14R turn off. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

[0042] On the other hand, when the weather condition is not satisfied in the above step S13 (step S13; NO), the irradiation state setting unit 20 sets the irradiation state so as to activate the high beam function (step S20). By outputting a control signal from the light distribution control unit 21 according to the set irradiation state, high beams are irradiated from the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 of each of the headlamps 14L and 14R. Selective high beams (adaptive driving beams) may be irradiated as the high beams. Further, the high beams may be controlled to automatically turn off when a preceding vehicle exists.

[0043] Also, when the weather condition is satisfied in the above step S16 (step S16; NO), the process returns to step S11. In this case, the irradiation of the high beams in the state where the irradiation position of the irradiation light has moved through the above steps S14 and S15 is continued. Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0044] According to the present embodiment as described above, the visibility in front of the vehicle during rainfall or the like can be improved.

[0045] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the content of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made and implemented within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the irradiation position of the high beam or low beam (hereinafter referred to as "high beam etc.") by the headlamp 14R on the side closer to the driver's seat is variably set, but the irradiation position of the high beam etc. by the headlamp 14L on the side farther from the driver's seat may be changed, or the irradiation positions of the high beam etc. by each of the headlamps 14R and 14L may be changed.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the irradiation position of the high beam or the like is moved in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle. However, the irradiation position of the high beam or the like may be moved in the vehicle height direction. A configuration example of the headlamp 14R (14L) in this case is shown in FIG. 6. In the illustrated headlamp 14R, the first light source unit 31 is disposed at a position relatively close to the upper side of the vehicle, and the second light source unit 32 is disposed at a position relatively close to the lower side of the vehicle. This configuration and control mode can be suitably used particularly in a vehicle such as a large vehicle where the position of the driver's seat is high. That is, in rainy weather, by relatively lowering the irradiation position of the high beam or the like, the overlapping range between the irradiation range of the high beam or the like and the line of sight E of the passenger can be made shorter based on the same principle as the explanation using FIG. 2(B).

[0047] Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, in the case of using the headlamp 14R (14L) including the first light source unit 31 and the second light source unit 32 each having a high beam unit and a low beam unit, complementary operation control is performed for the individual flashing of the high beam unit 31a and the high beam unit 32a, and the low beam unit 31b and the low beam unit 32b. However, similar effects may be obtained by increasing or decreasing the light amount.

[0048] Specifically, in the situation shown in FIG. 2(A), it is possible to control such that the high beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 is lit with a relatively high light amount and the high beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 is lit with a relatively low light amount, and the low beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 is lit with a relatively low light amount and the low beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 is lit with a relatively high light amount.

[0049] Also, in the situation shown in FIG. 2(B), control is performed such that the high-beam unit 31a of the first light source unit 31 is lit with a relatively low light amount and the high-beam unit 32a of the second light source unit 32 is lit with a relatively high light amount, and the low-beam unit 31b of the first light source unit 31 is lit with a relatively high light amount and the low-beam unit 32b of the second light source unit 32 is lit with a relatively low light amount.

[0050] The same applies when the first light source unit 31 is disposed at a position relatively close to the upper side of the vehicle and the second light source unit 32 is disposed at a position relatively close to the lower side of the vehicle.

[0051] Also, as in the modified embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), for example, in the case of including a plurality of light source units 40, 41, 42, 43 capable of switching between irradiation with high beams (or selective high beams) and low beams, the headlamp 14R (14L) may be configured to switch which of these light source units 41 or the like irradiates the low beam and the high beam, and further switch the balance of the light amounts among the light source units 41 to 43. The headlamp 14R in the example shown in each figure includes the light source units 40, 41 disposed relatively on the upper side and the light source units 42, 43 disposed relatively on the lower side. The balance of the light amounts is relatively shown in parentheses in the figure.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), a low beam is irradiated by the relatively lower and outer light source unit 42, and high beams are irradiated by the other light source units 40, 41, and 43. At this time, if the light quantity of the low beam of the light source unit 42 is set to 100, the light quantities of the high beams of the other light source units 40, 41, and 43 are also all set to 100. In the example shown in FIG. 7(B), a low beam is irradiated by the relatively upper and inner light source unit 41, and high beams are irradiated by the other light source units 40, 42, and 43. At this time, if the light quantity of the low beam of the light source unit 41 is set to 100, the light quantities of the high beams of the other light source units 40, 41, and 43 are set to 50, 200, and 50. For example, by switching the irradiation positions of the high beam and the low beam and changing the light quantity balance as described above, the irradiation ranges of the low beam and the high beam can be moved while the total light quantity remains unchanged. Further, by relatively increasing the light quantity of the high beam in the outer and lower light source unit 42, the effect of reducing the light curtain can be further enhanced.

[0053] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the weather detection unit for detecting rainy weather, a raindrop sensor capable of detecting rainfall (and / or raindrop diameter) has been cited. However, the weather detection unit may be configured using a communication device capable of acquiring information such as rainfall at the current position of the vehicle via wireless communication from an external system.

[0054] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the driver's seat is arranged on the right side of the vehicle has been assumed. However, the content of the present disclosure can be similarly applied to the case where the driver's seat is arranged on the left side.

[0055] The present disclosure has the following features. (Appendix 1) A headlamp installed in a vehicle, A controller connected to the headlamp and controlling the operation of the headlamp, A weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting the weather at the current position of the vehicle, including The headlamp has at least a function of irradiating high beam from a first position or a second position relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle than the first position, and a function of irradiating low beam from a third position or a fourth position relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle than the third position. When the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not meet a predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the first position and irradiate the low beam from the fourth position. When the weather is rainy weather that meets the predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the second position and irradiate the low beam from the third position. Headlamp system. (Appendix 2) The headlamp is installed on the side closer to the driver's seat of the vehicle. The headlamp system according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The rainy weather is a case where the rainfall amount is equal to or greater than a first reference value and / or the raindrop diameter is equal to or greater than a second reference value. The headlamp system according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the rainfall amount and / or the raindrop diameter. The headlamp system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) Each of the headlamps has a first light source unit and a second light source unit capable of irradiating the high beam and the low beam. The first light source unit is disposed relatively inside and / or above the vehicle. The second light source unit is disposed relatively outside and / or below the vehicle. The headlamp system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The first light source unit is capable of irradiating the high beam from the first position and irradiating the low beam from the third position. The second light source unit can irradiate the high beam from the second position and can irradiate the low beam from the fourth position. The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 5. (Supplementary Note 7) The first light source unit a first high beam unit capable of irradiating the high beam from the first position, a first low beam unit capable of irradiating the low beam from the third position, and has The second light source unit a second high beam unit capable of irradiating the high beam from the second position, a second low beam unit capable of irradiating the low beam from the fourth position, and has The headlamp system according to Supplementary Note 6.

Explanation of Signs

[0056] 10: Controller, 11: Camera, 12: Headlamp switch, 13: Raindrop sensor, 14R, 14L: Headlamps, 20: Irradiation state setting unit, 21: Light distribution control unit, 22: Light distribution movement control unit, 31: First light source unit, 31a: High beam unit, 31b: Low beam unit, 32: Second light source unit, 32a: High beam unit, 32b: Low beam unit

Claims

1. A headlamp installed on a vehicle, a controller connected to the headlamp and controlling the operation of the headlamp, a weather detection unit connected to the controller and detecting the weather at the current position of the vehicle, comprising: The headlamp has at least a function of irradiating a high beam from a first position or a second position relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle than the first position, and a function of irradiating a low beam from a third position or a fourth position relatively closer to the outside and / or lower side of the vehicle than the third position. When the weather detected by the weather detection unit does not meet a predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the first position and irradiate the low beam from the fourth position. When the weather is rainy weather that meets the predetermined standard, the controller controls the headlamp to irradiate the high beam from the second position and irradiate the low beam from the third position. A headlamp system.

2. The headlamp is installed on the side closer to the driver's seat of the vehicle. The headlamp system according to Claim 1.

3. The rainy weather is a case where the rainfall amount is equal to or greater than a first reference value and / or the raindrop diameter is equal to or greater than a second reference value. The headlamp system according to Claim 1.

4. The weather detection unit is a sensor capable of detecting the rainfall amount and / or the raindrop diameter. The headlamp system according to Claim 3.

5. Each of the headlamps has a first light source unit and a second light source unit capable of irradiating the high beam and the low beam. The first light source unit is arranged relatively inside and / or above the vehicle. The second light source unit is arranged relatively outside and / or below the vehicle. The headlamp system according to Claim 1.

6. The first light source unit is capable of irradiating the high beam from the first position and irradiating the low beam from the third position. The second light source unit is capable of irradiating the high beam from the second position and irradiating the low beam from the fourth position. The headlamp system according to Claim 5.

7. The first light source unit a first high beam unit capable of irradiating the high beam from the first position, a first low beam unit capable of irradiating the low beam from the third position, and has The second light source unit is, a second high beam unit capable of irradiating the high beam from the second position, a second low beam unit capable of irradiating the low beam from the fourth position, and has, the headlamp system according to claim 6.

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