Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lamp that can form a light distribution pattern that does not provide a feeling of strangeness to a rider in a motor cycle.SOLUTION: A vehicular lamp, which is mounted on a vehicle (100) that runs on a corner by tilting a vehicle body toward a curving direction, comprises: a light source; an optical member that emits light from the light source to the side in front of the lamp to form a high-beam light distribution pattern (PH); and a control part that, when sensing an oncoming vehicle (CV) outside the vehicle, adjusts the high-beam light distribution pattern (PH) so that the pattern includes a first light shielding range (B) in which light is not emitted to the oncoming vehicle. The control part is configured to specify the first light shielding range (B) when the vehicle body is in a straight running state, obtain height information on the oncoming vehicle (CV) in accordance with a tilting state of the vehicle body when the vehicle body is in a cornering state, specify a second light shielding range (C) narrower than the first light shielding range (B) on the basis of the height information and adjust the high-beam light distribution pattern (PH) so that the pattern includes the second light shielding range (C) instead of the first light shielding range (B).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There are high beam / low beam light sources for motorcycle headlights (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Application Publication WO2019 / 039051 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For four-wheeled vehicles, a system has been proposed in which the light distribution pattern irradiated from the headlight is composed of a plurality of regions arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, and some of the plurality of regions are not irradiated depending on the object outside the vehicle, thereby forming a light distribution pattern that does not give glare to oncoming vehicles, for example. When turning right or left on a two-wheeled vehicle, the driver moves the center of gravity and tilts the body toward the turning direction to increase the bank angle while driving around the corner, so that the light distribution pattern formed by the headlight also tilts from the horizontal direction according to the bank angle. If a system similar to that for four-wheeled vehicles is adopted to avoid giving glare to objects such as oncoming vehicles in a light distribution pattern tilted from the horizontal direction, there are cases in which the non-irradiation range must be expanded to a range that does not need to be non-irradiated.

[0005] Furthermore, in a light distribution pattern that is tilted from the horizontal direction, the illumination of the area below the reference line does not cause glare to objects such as oncoming vehicles, but the light source is turned off when there is an object (Patent Document 1). Unnecessary turning off of the light can cause discomfort to motorcycle riders.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that can minimize the non-illuminated area in which light is not irradiated onto an object in a light distribution pattern that is formed when the vehicle body is tilted.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp that forms a light distribution pattern that does not seem strange to a motorcycle rider. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that runs around a corner by leaning the vehicle body toward the turning direction, A light source; an optical member that irradiates light from the light source forward to form a predetermined light distribution pattern; and a control unit that adjusts the predetermined light distribution pattern to include a first non-illumination range in which the light is not irradiated onto the object when an object outside the vehicle is detected, The control unit is defining the first non-illumination area based on a case where the vehicle body is in a straight-ahead state; When the vehicle body is in a cornering state, acquiring height information of the object according to a tilt state of the vehicle body; defining a second non-illumination area narrower than the first non-illumination area based on the height information; The predetermined light distribution pattern is adjusted to include the second non-illuminated area instead of the first non-illuminated area.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle lamp according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that runs around a corner by leaning the vehicle body toward the turning direction, A light source; an optical member that irradiates light from the light source forward to form a predetermined light distribution pattern; An internal sensor for detecting the inclination of the vehicle body; An external sensor for detecting an object; a control unit that controls at least one of the light source and the optical member to adjust the light distribution pattern, The light distribution pattern includes a plurality of ranges, When the internal sensor detects that the inclination of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, The light distribution pattern includes a first region below a predetermined reference line and a second region above the reference line, the reference line is a line extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, parallel to a horizontal line, and having a predetermined height from the horizontal line; When one of the multiple ranges includes only the first region, the control unit adjusts the light distribution pattern so as to continue irradiating the light to the one range, regardless of the detection result of the external sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that can minimize the non-illuminated area in which light is not irradiated onto an object in a light distribution pattern that is formed when the vehicle body is tilted.

[0011] Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that forms a light distribution pattern that does not seem strange to a motorcycle rider. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a headlamp (vehicle lamp) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the headlamp shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a high beam lamp unit provided in a headlamp. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a light source unit included in the high beam lamp unit of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5]4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a high beam light distribution pattern formed by a high beam lamp unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a high beam light distribution pattern. [Figure 7A] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a control method for defining a minimum light blocking range. [Figure 7B] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a control method for defining a minimum light blocking range. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a high beam lamp unit included in a headlamp according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical member provided in the high beam lamp unit of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern when a vehicle runs inclined with respect to a road surface; [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating other examples of light distribution patterns when the vehicle runs inclined with respect to the road surface. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for adjusting a light distribution pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the terms "left-right direction," "front-rear direction," and "up-down direction" are relative directions set for the vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of convenience.

[0014] First embodiment FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle 100 as an example of a vehicle in the first embodiment. The motorcycle 100 is a vehicle that can travel along corners (curves) on a road by leaning the body in the direction of turning. The vehicle of this embodiment may have any number of wheels as long as it can travel around corners by leaning the body in the direction of turning, like the motorcycle 100. Therefore, for example, even a three-wheeled motor vehicle, a four-wheeled motor vehicle, etc. are included in the vehicle of this embodiment as long as they can travel in the same way as the motorcycle 100.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, a headlamp 1 (one example of a vehicle lamp) according to this embodiment is mounted on the front of a motorcycle 100. The headlamp 1 is a lamp capable of illuminating the area ahead of the vehicle, and includes a low beam lamp unit 2 and a high beam lamp unit 3. Note that, although this embodiment illustrates an example of a motorcycle 100 that includes one headlamp 1, the motorcycle may include, for example, one headlamp on each side.

[0016] 2, the headlamp 1 includes a lamp control unit 5 (an example of a control unit) that controls the operation of the low beam lamp unit 2 and the high beam lamp unit 3. The low beam lamp unit 2 and the high beam lamp unit 3 are connected to the lamp control unit 5. In addition, the lamp control unit 5 is electrically connected to a bank angle sensor 6 (an example of an internal sensor) that detects the tilt state of the motorcycle 100, an external sensor 7 that detects environmental information outside the vehicle, a speed sensor 8 that detects the speed of the motorcycle 100, and the like.

[0017] The bank angle sensor 6 is a sensor capable of detecting the inclination angle when the body of the motorcycle 100 inclines to the left or right with respect to a vertical line. The bank angle sensor 6 is configured with, for example, a gyro sensor. The inclination angle of the body may be calculated based on, for example, an image captured by a camera mounted on the body.

[0018] The external sensor 7 is a sensor capable of acquiring information about the outside of the vehicle including the surrounding environment of the motorcycle 100 (e.g., obstacles, other vehicles (vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles), pedestrians, road shapes, traffic signs, etc.). The external sensor 7 is composed of at least one of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), a camera, radar, etc.

[0019] The information detected by the bank angle sensor 6, the external sensor 7, and the speed sensor 8 is transmitted to the lamp control unit 5. The lamp control unit 5 controls the low beam lamp unit 2 and the high beam lamp unit 3 based on the information transmitted from the sensors 6 to 8. For example, the lamp control unit 5 controls the headlamp 1 (the low beam lamp unit 2 and the high beam lamp unit 3) based on the detection information of each sensor, and is capable of adjusting the light distribution pattern (the low beam light distribution pattern and the high beam light distribution pattern) formed in front of the vehicle.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the high beam lamp unit 3 included in the headlamp 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the headlamp 1 includes a lamp body 11 having an opening on the vehicle front side, and a transparent front cover 12 attached so as to cover the opening of the lamp body 11. The high beam lamp unit 3, the lamp control unit 5, the bank angle sensor 6, and the external sensor (e.g., LiDAR) 7 are housed inside a lamp chamber 13 formed by the lamp body 11 and the front cover 12. Although not shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3, the low beam lamp unit 2 is also housed inside the lamp chamber 13 of the headlamp 1, similar to the high beam lamp unit 3.

[0021] The high beam lamp unit 3 is a so-called projector type lamp. The high beam lamp unit 3 includes a projection lens 31 (an example of an optical member), a light source unit 32 having a high beam light source 33 (an example of a light source), and a holder 34 that holds the projection lens 31 and the light source unit 32. The projection lens 31 is a plano-convex aspheric lens with a convex front surface and a flat rear surface, and is disposed on an optical axis Ax that extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The peripheral portion of the projection lens 31 is held on the front end side of the holder 34. The projection lens 31 irradiates light from the light source 33 forward of the lamp to form a predetermined high beam light distribution pattern.

[0022] The light source unit 32 is arranged so that the light source 33 faces forward in the direction of the optical axis Ax, and is held on the rear end side of the holder 34. The light source 33 is electrically connected to the lamp control unit 5. The holder 34 is attached to the lamp body 11 via a support member (not shown).

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of the light source unit 32 of the high beam lamp unit 3. The light source unit 32 includes a light source 33, a support plate 35, and a heat sink 36. The light source 33 includes a plurality of individual light sources 30 configured with light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source 33 includes individual light sources 30a-30i arranged in parallel, for example, in nine horizontal columns and one vertical row, and is fixed to the front surface of the support plate 35. The individual light sources 30a-30i are configured as an LED array. Each of the individual light sources 30a-30i is electrically connected to the lamp control unit 5. The individual light sources 30a-30i are controlled by the lamp control unit 5 to emit light independently of each other in an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) mode described later. The individual light sources 30a-30i are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the optical axis Ax). The number and arrangement of the individual light sources 30 are not particularly limited.

[0024] The heat sink 36 is a member for dissipating heat generated from the light source 33, and is held on the vehicle rear side surface of the support plate 35. The light source unit 32 is fixed to the holder 34 via the support plate 35.

[0025] Next, a light distribution pattern according to the first embodiment formed by the headlamp 1 mounted on the motorcycle 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows light distribution patterns (high beam light distribution pattern PH and low beam light distribution pattern PL) formed in front of the lamp when the motorcycle 100 is traveling in a straight line, that is, when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body perpendicular to the road surface. The case where the motorcycle 100 is traveling in a straight line includes, for example, a case where the inclination of the body is within ±10 degrees with respect to the case where the body is vertical. FIG. 6 shows light distribution patterns (only the high beam light distribution pattern PH is shown in this example) formed in front of the lamp when the motorcycle 100 is traveling in a cornering state, for example, when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body inclined to the right with respect to the road surface to travel around a right-facing corner. The high beam light distribution pattern PH is a light distribution pattern formed by the high beam lamp unit 3. The low beam light distribution pattern PL is a light distribution pattern formed by the low beam lamp unit 2.

[0026] 5 and 6 show a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen placed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example, 25 m in front of the lamp. The motorcycle 100 and the oncoming vehicle CV are displayed in separate coordinate systems. The oncoming vehicle CV is displayed on a road coordinate system X0-Y0. The motorcycle 100 is displayed on a motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. In the case of FIG. 5 where the motorcycle 100 is traveling straight ahead, the road coordinate system X0-Y0 and the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 are displayed in coincidence. Note that HH represents the horizontal direction and VV represents the vertical direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the high beam light distribution pattern PH is a light distribution pattern in which partial patterns PHa to PHi are arranged in the horizontal direction. Each partial pattern PHa to PHi is formed by the individual light source 30a to 30i. The partial pattern PHa is a pattern formed by the individual light source 30a. Similarly, the partial pattern PHb is formed by the individual light source 30b, the partial pattern PHc is formed by the individual light source 30c, the partial pattern PHd is formed by the individual light source 30d, the partial pattern PHe is formed by the individual light source 30e, the partial pattern PHf is formed by the individual light source 30f, the partial pattern PHg is formed by the individual light source 30g, the partial pattern PHh is formed by the individual light source 30h, and the partial pattern PHi is formed by the individual light source 30i. The high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed as a high beam light distribution pattern of different modes according to the situation of the vehicle, the oncoming vehicle, or the vehicle ahead by a combination of formation and non-formation of each partial pattern PHa to PHi in the ADB mode.

[0028] Next, the ADB mode executed by the lamp control unit 5 will be described. The lamp control unit 5 detects the situation of the oncoming vehicle, including the presence or absence of the oncoming vehicle and the location of the oncoming vehicle (the distance from the motorcycle 100 to the oncoming vehicle, the position coordinates of the oncoming vehicle on a virtual vertical screen, etc.), based on, for example, environmental information acquired by the external sensor 7. The lamp control unit 5 also detects the situation of the vehicle, for example, based on vehicle body inclination angle information acquired by the bank angle sensor 6. The lamp control unit 5 also detects the situation of the vehicle, including the running and stopping of the vehicle, based on, for example, speed information acquired by the speed sensor 8. The lamp control unit 5 individually controls the turning on and off of each individual light source 30, based on information acquired by the external sensor 7, the bank angle sensor 6, and the speed sensor 8. The lamp control unit 5 turns on the individual light sources 30 corresponding to the areas where no object such as an oncoming vehicle exists, and turns off the individual light sources 30 corresponding to the areas where an object such as an oncoming vehicle exists.

[0029] For example, in FIG. 5, the lamp control unit 5 calculates the direction in which the oncoming vehicle CV exists (the left and right side positions of the oncoming vehicle CV) and the distance from the motorcycle 100 to the oncoming vehicle CV, based on information acquired by the external sensor 7 and the speed sensor 8. The lamp control unit 5 also calculates the traveling inclination angle of the vehicle based on information acquired by the bank angle sensor 6. The lamp control unit 5 defines a normal light-blocking range A (an example of a first non-illumination range) as a light-blocking range for preventing light from being irradiated onto the oncoming vehicle CV, based on information acquired by the external sensor 7, the bank angle sensor 6, etc. The normal light-blocking range A is defined as a range in the X0-axis direction between a boundary line xa that passes through the left side of the oncoming vehicle CV and extends in the Y0-axis direction, and a boundary line xb that passes through the right side of the oncoming vehicle CV and extends in the Y0-axis direction, in the road coordinate system X0-Y0. The normal light-blocking range A is defined as a range in the Y0-axis direction between a boundary line ya that passes through a point where the boundary lines xa, xb intersect with the upper boundary of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 and extends in the X0-axis direction, and a boundary line yb that passes through a point where the boundary lines xa, xb intersect with the X1-axis of the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 and extends in the X0-axis direction. The normal light-blocking range A may be defined as a range slightly larger or smaller than the oncoming vehicle CV.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 5 where the road coordinate system X0-Y0 and the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 coincide with each other, the coordinate values ​​of each point in the normal shaded area A in the road coordinate system X0-Y0 correspond to the same coordinate values ​​in the high beam distribution pattern PH in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. Based on the defined normal shaded area A, the lamp control unit 5 determines the partial patterns PHa-PHf, PHi corresponding to the area in the high beam distribution pattern PH where the oncoming vehicle CV does not exist in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 as the illumination area. The lamp control unit 5 turns on the individual light sources 30a-30f, 30i corresponding to this illumination area (partial patterns PHa-PHf, PHi). On the other hand, based on the defined normal shaded area A, the lamp control unit 5 determines the partial patterns PHg, PHh corresponding to the area in the high beam distribution pattern PH where the oncoming vehicle CV exists in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 as the non-illumination area (shaded area). The lamp control unit 5 turns off the individual light sources 30g and 30h corresponding to the non-illuminated areas (partial patterns PHg and PHh).

[0031] As a result, when the motorcycle 100 is traveling straight ahead, a high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed in which the partial patterns PHg and PHh corresponding to the area where the oncoming vehicle CV is present are set as non-illuminated areas so as to include the normal light blocking range A for not irradiating the oncoming vehicle CV with light. Note that the "non-illuminated area" may include an area where light is irradiated at a low illuminance so as not to cause glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle.

[0032] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, when the motorcycle 100 is cornering, for example when the vehicle body is tilted to the right by an angle θ with respect to the road surface, the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the road coordinate system X0-Y0. Note that in Fig. 6, the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 is shown aligned with the horizontal and vertical directions on the page.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 6, the lamp control unit 5, in a similar manner to the case described in Figure 5 (when the vehicle body is moving straight), defines a normal shading area B (an example of a first non-illuminated area) surrounded by boundaries xa, xb, ya, and yb on the road coordinate system X0-Y0 based on information about an oncoming vehicle CV acquired by the external sensor 7, the bank angle sensor 6, etc.

[0034] For example, the lamp control unit 5 converts the coordinate value of the upper left point P1, which is the intersection of the boundary line xa and the boundary line ya in the normal shading range B, and the coordinate value of the lower right point P2, which is the intersection of the boundary line xb and the boundary line yb, based on information such as the inclination angle θ of the vehicle body, and calculates them as coordinate values ​​on the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. At this time, the coordinate value (x01, y01) of the upper left point P1 of the normal shading range B in the road coordinate system X0-Y0 is calculated as, for example, the coordinate value (x11, y11) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. Also, the coordinate value (x02, y02) of the upper left point P2 of the normal shading range B in the road coordinate system X0-Y0 is calculated as, for example, the coordinate value (x12, y12) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. The coordinate values ​​of the upper left point P1 and the lower right point P2 in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 are values ​​that change according to the tilt angle of the vehicle body.

[0035] The lamp control unit 5 specifies a partial pattern PHe of the high beam light distribution pattern PH that includes the coordinate value x11 in the region in the X0 axis direction as a region corresponding to the coordinate value (x11, y11) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. The lamp control unit 5 also specifies a partial pattern PHh of the high beam light distribution pattern PH that includes the coordinate value x12 in the region in the X0 axis direction as a region corresponding to the coordinate value (x12, y12) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. The lamp control unit 5 determines the partial patterns PHe, PHf, PHg, and PHh ranging from the specified partial pattern PHe to the partial pattern PHh as non-illumination regions. The lamp control unit 5 turns off the individual light sources 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30h that correspond to the non-illumination regions (partial patterns PHe, PHf, PHg, and PHh). On the other hand, the lamp control unit 5 determines the partial patterns PHa to PHd and PHi other than the partial patterns PHe, PHf, PHg, and PHh as illumination regions. The lamp control unit 5 turns on the individual light sources 30a to 30d, 30i corresponding to the irradiation areas (partial patterns PHa to PHd, PHi).

[0036] In this way, when the non-illuminated area of ​​the high beam light distribution pattern PH is set based on the upper left point P1 and lower right point P2 of the normal light blocking range B defined when the vehicle body is tilted, the range of the non-illuminated area becomes larger than the non-illuminated area set when the vehicle body is moving straight as described in Fig. 5. Specifically, the non-illuminated area corresponding to the normal light blocking range A set when the vehicle body is moving straight as described in Fig. 5 is two partial patterns PHg and PHh, whereas the non-illuminated area corresponding to the normal light blocking range B set when the vehicle body is cornering is four partial patterns PHe, PHf, PHg, and PHh.

[0037] In contrast, in the headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 selects a left measurement point P3, which is a point below the upper left point P1 on the boundary line xa, instead of the upper left point P1, which is the intersection point of the boundary line xa and the boundary line ya in the normal light-blocking range B. The left measurement point P3 is a point selected based on the size of the oncoming vehicle CV, for example, the vehicle height of the oncoming vehicle CV. For example, the coordinate value in the Y0 axis direction of the left measurement point P3 is set in advance to a maximum vehicle height value taking into account the vehicle height of a large vehicle assumed to be an oncoming vehicle. As an example, 3 m is set as the maximum vehicle height value. Note that the left side point P3 may be set, for example, taking into account the line of sight position of the driver of the oncoming vehicle. Based on the selected left measurement point P3, the lamp control unit 5 defines a reduced light-blocking range C (an example of a second non-illumination range) on the road coordinate system X0-Y0 as a light-blocking range for preventing light from being irradiated to the oncoming vehicle CV. The reduced light-blocking range C is a light-blocking range defined as an area narrower than the normal light-blocking range B.

[0038] The lamp control unit 5 converts the coordinate value of the selected left measurement point P3 based on information such as the inclination angle θ of the vehicle body, and calculates it as a coordinate value on the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. At this time, the coordinate value (x03, y03) of the left measurement point P3 of the normal shading area B in the road coordinate system X0-Y0 is calculated as, for example, the coordinate value (x13, y13) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1.

[0039] The lamp control unit 5 specifies a partial pattern PHf of the high beam light distribution pattern PH that includes the coordinate value x13 in the region in the X0 axis direction as a region corresponding to the coordinate value (x13, y13) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. Similarly to the above, the lamp control unit 5 specifies a partial pattern PHh of the high beam light distribution pattern PH as a region corresponding to the coordinate value (x12, y12) in the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 at the lower right point P2. The lamp control unit 5 determines the partial patterns PHf, PHg, and PHh ranging from the specified partial pattern PHf to the partial pattern PHh as non-illumination regions. The lamp control unit 5 turns off the individual light sources 30f, 30g, and 30h corresponding to the non-illumination regions (partial patterns PHf, PHg, and PHh). On the other hand, the lamp control unit 5 determines the partial patterns PHa to PHe and PHi other than the partial patterns PHf, PHg, and PHh as illumination regions. The lamp control unit 5 turns on the individual light sources 30a to 30e, 30i corresponding to the irradiation areas (partial patterns PHa to PHe, PHi).

[0040] That is, when the vehicle body leans to the right, by setting the non-irradiated area of ​​the high beam light distribution pattern PH based on the left measurement point P3 and the lower right point P2 of the reduced shading area C, the range of the non-irradiated area becomes smaller than the non-irradiated area set based on the upper left point P1 and the lower right point P2 of the normal shading area B. Specifically, the non-irradiated area based on the upper left point P1 and the lower right point P2 of the normal shading area B is four partial patterns PHe, PHf, PHg, and PHh, whereas the non-irradiated area based on the left measurement point P3 and the lower right point P2 of the reduced shading area C is three partial patterns PHf, PHg, and PHh.

[0041] The greater the inclination of the vehicle body relative to the road surface, the greater the inclination angle θ of the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1 relative to the road coordinate system X0-Y0. Therefore, when the coordinate value (x01, y01) of the upper left point P1 of the normal shaded area B in the road coordinate system X0-Y0 is converted and calculated as the coordinate value (x11, y11) on the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1, the difference between the coordinate values ​​(x01, y01) and (x11, y11) becomes greater the greater the inclination of the vehicle body. When the difference between the coordinate values ​​(x01, y01) and (x11, y11) becomes greater, the position of the partial pattern of the high beam light distribution pattern PH identified as the area corresponding to the coordinate value (x11, y11) shifts leftward, and the range of the partial pattern determined as the non-illuminated area becomes larger. Therefore, by identifying the coordinate value (x03, y03) of the left measurement point P3 based on the maximum vehicle height value of the oncoming vehicle CV and specifying a reduced shading range C which is narrower than the normal shading range B, when the coordinate value (x03, y03) of the left measurement point P3 is converted and calculated as the coordinate value (x13, y13) on the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1, the difference between the coordinate values ​​(x03, y03) and (x13, y13) can be reduced, and the range of the partial pattern which is judged to be a non-irradiated area can be reduced.

[0042] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right with respect to the road surface, but for example, even if the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the left with respect to the road surface, the lamp control unit 5 can set the non-illumination area of ​​the high beam light distribution pattern PH in a similar manner. Specifically, when the vehicle body is tilted to the left, the coordinate value of the right measurement point can be identified based on the maximum vehicle height value of the oncoming vehicle CV, and a reduced light blocking area narrower than the normal light blocking area can be defined.

[0043] As described above, the headlamp 1 according to this embodiment includes the light source 33, the projection lens 31 that irradiates light from the light source 33 forward of the lamp to form a predetermined high beam light distribution pattern PH, and the lamp control unit 5 that adjusts the predetermined high beam light distribution pattern PH to include a normal light blocking range B (an example of a first non-illumination range) in which light is not irradiated to the oncoming vehicle CV when an oncoming vehicle CV (an example of an object) outside the vehicle is detected. The lamp control unit 5 is configured to determine the normal light blocking range B based on the case where the vehicle body is in a straight-ahead state, and to determine a reduced light blocking range C (an example of a second non-illumination range) narrower than the normal light blocking range B based on the height information in the case where the vehicle body is in a cornering state, and to adjust the predetermined high beam light distribution pattern PH to include the reduced light blocking range C instead of the normal light blocking range B. This makes it possible to make the non-illumination range as small as possible so as not to irradiate the area where the oncoming vehicle CV is present in the high beam light distribution pattern PH formed when the body of the motorcycle 100 is inclined.

[0044] In this embodiment, the light source 33 includes a plurality of individual light sources 30a-30i arranged in parallel, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH is composed of a plurality of partial patterns PHa-PHi formed in parallel along the horizontal direction by light from the plurality of individual light sources 30a-30i. The lamp control unit 5 forms a predetermined high beam light distribution pattern PH including the reduced light blocking area C by turning off the individual light sources 30 that form the partial patterns including the reduced light blocking area C among the partial patterns PHa-PHi based on the height information of the oncoming vehicle CV. In this way, the reduced light blocking area C can be formed with a simple configuration using an LED array or the like.

[0045] (Modification) Next, a modified example of the control method in which the lamp control unit 5 defines the reduced light blocking range C will be described with reference to Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B. In the above-described embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 selects the left measurement point P3 based on the maximum vehicle height value (e.g., 3 m) assumed as the vehicle height of the oncoming vehicle CV, and defines the reduced light blocking range C, but is not limited to this. For example, the lamp control unit 5 may acquire the vehicle height value of each oncoming vehicle CV measured by the external sensor 7, select the left measurement point P3 for each oncoming vehicle CV based on the acquired individual vehicle height value, and define the reduced light blocking range C for each oncoming vehicle CV.

[0046] For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the oncoming vehicle CV1 is a large vehicle and the vehicle height value H1 of the oncoming vehicle CV1 is acquired, the lamp control unit 5 selects the left measurement point P3 for the oncoming vehicle CV1 based on the acquired vehicle height value H1 and specifies the reduced shading range C of the oncoming vehicle CV1. For example, as shown in Fig. 7B, when the oncoming vehicle CV2 is a small vehicle and the vehicle height value H2 of the oncoming vehicle CV2 that is smaller than the vehicle height value H1 of the oncoming vehicle CV1 is acquired, the lamp control unit 5 selects the left measurement point P3 for the oncoming vehicle CV2 based on the acquired vehicle height value H2, and defines the reduced light blocking range C for the oncoming vehicle CV2. This makes it possible to define an even smaller reduced light blocking range C when the oncoming vehicle CV is a small vehicle.

[0047] As described above, according to the control method of the lamp control unit 5 in this modified example, the reduced light-blocking area C (second non-illumination area) can be changed according to the height of the oncoming vehicle CV, thereby realizing further narrowing of the reduced light-blocking area C. Note that the light-blocking target is not limited to the oncoming vehicle CV, and similar control may be performed on the vehicle ahead.

[0048] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a high beam lamp unit 103 provided in a headlamp 101 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. As shown in FIG. 8, the high beam lamp unit 103 is a projector type lamp. The high beam lamp unit 103 includes a rotating reflector 111 (an example of an optical member), an LED 113 (an example of a light source), and a projection lens 115 (an example of an optical member) disposed in front of the rotating reflector 111. Instead of the LED 113, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an EL element or an LD element can be used as a light source. In particular, for control to make a part of a light distribution pattern, which will be described later, non-illumination, a light source that can be turned on and off accurately in a short time is preferable. The shape of the projection lens 115 may be appropriately selected according to the light distribution characteristics such as the required light distribution pattern and illuminance distribution, and an aspherical lens or a free curved lens is used. In this embodiment, a convex aspherical lens is used as the projection lens 115.

[0049] The rotating reflector 111 rotates in one direction about a rotation axis R by a driving source such as a motor (not shown). The rotating reflector 111 also includes a reflective surface configured to reflect the light emitted from the LED 113 while rotating, and form a desired light distribution pattern.

[0050] 9, the rotating reflector 111 includes three blades 111a having the same shape and a cylindrical rotating part 111b. The blades 111a function as reflective surfaces and are provided around the rotating part 111b. The rotation axis R of the rotating reflector 111 is oblique to the optical axis Ax and is provided in a plane including the optical axis Ax and the LED 113.

[0051] The blade 111a has a twisted shape such that the angle between the optical axis Ax and the reflecting surface changes as it moves in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis R. This enables scanning using the light of the LED 113 as shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, the rotating reflector 111 is configured to rotate 120 degrees to scan the front once in one direction (horizontal direction) with the light of the LED 113. In other words, when one blade 111a passes in front of the LED 113, a desired area in front of the vehicle is scanned once with the light of the LED 113.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 also defines the normal light-blocking range B based on the case where the vehicle body is in a straight-ahead state, and when the vehicle body is in a cornering state, acquires height information of the object according to the inclination state of the vehicle body, defines a reduced light-blocking range C (second non-illumination range) narrower than the normal light-blocking range B based on the height information, and adjusts the predetermined high-beam light distribution pattern PH so as to include the reduced light-blocking range C instead of the normal light-blocking range B. Specifically, the lamp control unit 5 converts the coordinate value of the left measurement point P3 selected based on the height information of the oncoming vehicle CV based on the information on the inclination angle θ of the vehicle body, and calculates it as a coordinate value on the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1. Next, the lamp control unit 5 specifies a partial pattern of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH as an area corresponding to the coordinate value calculated as the coordinate value on the motorcycle coordinate system X1-Y1, and determines the specified partial pattern as a non-illumination area. Next, the lamp control unit 5 controls the operation of the LEDs 113 and the rotating reflector 111 so that light from the LEDs 113 is not irradiated onto a non-irradiated area of ​​the high beam light distribution pattern PH by synchronizing the timing of turning on and off the LEDs 113 with the rotation of the rotating reflector 111. In this way, in the high beam lamp unit 103 of the scanning optical system equipped with the rotating reflector 111, as in the high beam lamp unit 3 according to the first embodiment equipped with an LED array, by defining a reduced light blocking area C instead of the normal light blocking area B based on height information of the oncoming vehicle CV when the vehicle body is tilted, it is possible to make the non-irradiated area as small as possible so as not to irradiate light onto the area where the oncoming vehicle CV is present.

[0053] It should be noted that a high beam lamp unit of a scanning optical system equipped with a galvanometer mirror or a polygon mirror may be used instead of the rotating reflector 111. In this case, too, by performing the same control as described above, it is possible to obtain the same effects as in the first and second embodiments.

[0054] Third embodiment Next, a light distribution pattern according to a third embodiment formed by the headlamp 1 mounted on the motorcycle 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] Fig. 10 shows a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen placed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example, 25 m in front of the lamp. In Fig. 10, HH indicates the horizontal direction (horizon line H) and VV indicates the vertical direction. Fig. 10 also shows an oncoming vehicle CV as an example of an object. The object may include a vehicle ahead.

[0056] In Fig. 10, a high beam light distribution pattern PH is an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the high beam lamp unit 3. Although not shown in Fig. 10, a low beam light distribution pattern PL is an example of a light distribution pattern formed by the low beam lamp unit 2.

[0057] Fig. 10 shows a light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 forms a light distribution pattern and runs with the body tilted with respect to the road surface. For example, Fig. 10 shows a light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 approaches the right side of the road surface or runs on a curved road turning to the right. The bank angle of the body is not limited, but for example, the bank angle is 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, etc. A method of controlling a light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 approaches the left side of the road surface or runs on a curved road turning to the left is the same as a method of controlling a light distribution pattern when the motorcycle 100 approaches the right side of the road surface or runs on a curved road turning to the right, except that the left and right directions are reversed, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The light emitted from the high beam lamp unit 3 is emitted to the front of the vehicle to form a high beam light distribution pattern PH. Specifically, the individual light source 30a of the high beam lamp unit 3 forms a partial pattern PHa, the individual light source 30b forms a partial pattern PHb, the individual light source 30c forms a partial pattern PHc, the individual light source 30d forms a partial pattern PHd, the individual light source 30e forms a partial pattern PHe, the individual light source 30f forms a partial pattern PHf, the individual light source 30g forms a partial pattern PHg, the individual light source 30h forms a partial pattern PHh, and the individual light source 30i forms a partial pattern PHi, and the partial patterns PHa to PHi are combined to form the high beam light distribution pattern PH. In other words, the high beam light distribution pattern PH includes a plurality of partial patterns PHa to PHi (an example of a range). In this embodiment, the high beam lamp unit 3 includes a total of nine individual light sources 30a to 30i as shown in FIG. 4, so that nine partial patterns PHa to PHi are formed as shown in FIG. 10. The high beam lamp unit 3 forms a plurality of high beam distribution patterns PH having different shapes according to the oncoming vehicle CV by combining formation and non-formation of each of the partial patterns PHa to PHi in an ADB mode described later.

[0059] The following describes a case where the motorcycle 100 changes from a state where the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body perpendicular to the road surface while forming the high beam distribution pattern PH to a state where the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body tilted relative to the road surface. When the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body tilted relative to the road surface, the high beam lamp unit 3 also tilts relative to the road surface as the body tilts, so the high beam distribution pattern PH is formed at an angle to the horizontal direction HH. In Fig. 10, the high beam distribution pattern PH' when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body perpendicular to the road surface is shown by a dashed line, and the high beam distribution pattern PH when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body tilted relative to the road surface is shown by a solid line.

[0060] When the lamp control unit 5 determines that the bank angle (inclination) of the vehicle body detected by the bank angle sensor 6 is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the lamp control unit 5 identifies the high beam light distribution pattern PH as a first region S1 that is an area below a predetermined reference line L and a second region S2 that is an area above the reference line. The reference line L is a line that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, is parallel to the horizontal line H, and has a predetermined height from the horizontal line H at the position of the target object.

[0061] Next, the ADB mode executed by the lamp control unit 5 will be described. The lamp control unit 5 detects the situation of the oncoming vehicle CV, including the presence or absence of the oncoming vehicle CV and the location of the oncoming vehicle CV (the distance from the motorcycle 100 to the oncoming vehicle, the position coordinates of the oncoming vehicle on a virtual vertical screen, etc.), based on environmental information acquired by, for example, the external sensor 7. The lamp control unit 5 also detects the inclination of the vehicle body, based on inclination angle information of the vehicle body acquired by, for example, the bank angle sensor 6. The lamp control unit 5 also detects the situation of the motorcycle 100, including the running and stopping of the motorcycle 100, based on speed information acquired by, for example, the speed sensor 8. The lamp control unit 5 controls the light distribution pattern, based on the information acquired by the external sensor 7, the bank angle sensor 6, and the speed sensor 8.

[0062] When the lamp control unit 5 acquires environmental information from the external sensor 7, it individually controls the turning on and off of the multiple individual light sources 30 of the high beam lamp unit 3 based on the detection result. Specifically, the lamp control unit 5 controls each of the multiple individual light sources 30 of the high beam lamp unit 3 so that the individual light sources 30 of the partial pattern used for light irradiation of the high beam light distribution pattern PH among the multiple individual light sources 30a to 30i are turned on and the individual light sources 30 of the partial pattern not used for light irradiation of the high beam light distribution pattern PH are turned off.

[0063] 10 shows a state in which an oncoming vehicle CV is present at the position of partial pattern PHh' when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body tilted relative to the road surface. Partial pattern PHh' is a part of the high beam light distribution pattern PH' when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body perpendicular to the road surface. When the external sensor 7 detects an oncoming vehicle CV, it transmits the detection result to the lamp control unit 5.

[0064] The lamp control unit 5, which receives the detection result from the external sensor 7, turns on or off each of the individual light sources 30 of the high beam lamp unit 3. Conventionally, the lamp control unit 5 controls to turn off the individual light sources corresponding to the partial pattern in which the oncoming vehicle CV exists in order to prevent glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV. In the case of FIG. 10, the lamp control unit 5 turns off the individual light source 30h so as to turn off the partial pattern PHh corresponding to the partial pattern PHh'. However, since the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed at an angle with respect to the reference line L due to the inclination of the vehicle body, the oncoming vehicle CV is not actually present in the partial pattern PHh, and it is not necessary to turn off the individual light source 30h. In other words, even though there is no effect on the glare to the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV, the conventional vehicle lamp turns off the corresponding individual light source 30h so as not to irradiate light to the partial pattern PHh corresponding to the position of the oncoming vehicle CV. There is a problem that such unnecessary turning off of the individual light source 30h gives a sense of discomfort to the driver of the motorcycle 100.

[0065] The lamp control unit 5 of this embodiment judges whether each of the partial patterns PHa to PHi includes only the first region S1, which is the region below the reference line L, to avoid unnecessary turning off of the individual light sources. In the case of FIG. 10, the partial patterns PHh and PHi include only the first region S1, so the lamp control unit 5 controls the individual light sources 30h and 30i to continue irradiating the partial patterns PHh and PHi with light. Even if an oncoming vehicle CV is present at the position of the partial pattern PHh', the lamp control unit 5 controls the individual light source 30h to continue to be turned on regardless of the detection result of the external sensor 7. This is because the partial pattern PHh includes only the first region S1, so there is no need to turn off the individual light source 30h. Note that in this embodiment, since the oncoming vehicle CV does not exist in the partial patterns PHa to PHg, the individual light sources 30a to 30g may continue to be turned on. This is because there is no risk of glare being given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV even if the individual light sources 30a to 30g are turned on.

[0066] In this manner, in this embodiment, regardless of the detection result of the external sensor 7, light continues to be emitted to the first region S1, which is the region below the reference line L, so that the individual light sources 30 are not unnecessarily turned off, and a light distribution pattern that does not feel strange to the rider of the motorcycle 100 can be provided.

[0067] In the case where a partial pattern includes both the first region S1 and the second region S2, and the external sensor 7 detects that the oncoming vehicle CV is included in the partial pattern, the lamp control unit 5 may adjust the light distribution pattern by turning off the corresponding individual light source so as not to irradiate the partial pattern with light. FIG. 11 shows a state where the oncoming vehicle CV is present at the position of the partial pattern PHf when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body tilted with respect to the road surface. The partial pattern PHf includes both the first region S1 and the second region S2, and also includes the oncoming vehicle CV. When the external sensor 7 detects that the oncoming vehicle CV is included in the partial pattern PHf, it transmits the detection result to the lamp control unit 5.

[0068] The lamp control unit 5, which receives the detection result from the external sensor 7, turns off the corresponding individual light source 30f so as not to irradiate the partial pattern PHf with light. In this manner, the present embodiment can prevent glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV while continuing to irradiate the first region S1, which is the region below the reference line L, with light.

[0069] When the object is either an oncoming vehicle CV or a vehicle in front, the reference line L is preferably lower than the window glass of the oncoming vehicle CV or the window glass of the vehicle in front. Examples of window glass include the front window and rear window of a four-wheeled vehicle and the front shield of a motorcycle. These window glasses may be made of other materials such as resin and vinyl, not limited to glass. When the object is an oncoming vehicle CV, the reference line L is preferably lower than the front window or windshield WS of the oncoming vehicle CV. That is, the lamp control unit 5 may adjust the high beam light distribution pattern PH so that light is irradiated to a position lower than the front window or windshield WS of the oncoming vehicle CV, regardless of the detection result of the external sensor 7. In this case, the present embodiment can provide a light distribution pattern that is natural to the driver of the motorcycle 100 by preventing glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV and avoiding unnecessary turning off of the individual light source 30. When the object is a vehicle in front, the reference line L is preferably lower than the rear window or marker light of the vehicle in front. The reference line L may be lower than the headlights of the oncoming vehicle. In other words, the lamp control unit 5 may adjust the high beam light distribution pattern PH so that the light is irradiated at a position lower than the headlights of the oncoming vehicle. In this case, in this embodiment, since the reference line L is lower than the headlights of the oncoming vehicle, the light does not hit the face of the driver of the oncoming vehicle, and glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle can be prevented.

[0070] The lamp control unit 5 may control the individual light source 30f to be turned on in a partial pattern PHf that includes both the first region S1 and the second region S2 and also includes an oncoming vehicle CV in the first region S1 of the partial pattern PHf that is below the reference line L, and to be turned off in a second region S2 of the partial pattern PHf that is above the reference line L. That is, the lamp control unit 5 controls one individual light source to irradiate light onto a portion of one partial pattern and not to irradiate light onto other portions. In this case, it is preferable that the high beam lamp unit is provided with a scanning optical system equipped with a rotating reflector or the like.

[0071] 12 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the high beam light distribution pattern. The method for controlling the high beam light distribution pattern PH by the lamp control unit 5 will be described below.

[0072] First, the lamp control unit 5 determines whether the inclination of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle using the bank angle sensor 6 (STEP 1). If the inclination of the vehicle body is less than the predetermined angle (NO in STEP 1), the lamp control unit 5 returns to STEP 1 and continues to periodically detect the inclination of the vehicle body until the inclination of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle.

[0073] If the inclination of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (YES in STEP 1), the lamp control unit 5 judges whether each of the partial patterns PHa to PHi includes only the first region S1 (STEP 2). If it is judged that there is a partial pattern that includes only the first region S1 among the multiple partial patterns (YES in STEP 2), the lamp control unit 5 continues to turn on the corresponding individual light source 30 so as to continue irradiating the partial pattern with light, regardless of the detection result of the external sensor 7 (STEP 3).

[0074] In FIG. 10, since the partial patterns PHh and PHi include only the first region S1, the lamp control unit 5 continues to light the individual light sources 30h and 30i. Even if an oncoming vehicle CV is present, the lamp control unit 5 controls the individual light source 30h to continue to light, regardless of the detection result of the external sensor 7. Since the partial pattern PHh includes only the first region S1, there is no risk of glare being given to the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV, and there is no need to turn off the individual light source 30h. In this way, this embodiment can provide a light distribution pattern that does not feel strange to the driver of the motorcycle 100 without turning off the individual light source 30 unnecessarily.

[0075] If the lamp control unit 5 determines that among the multiple partial patterns PHa to PHi, there is a partial pattern that includes not only the first area S1 but also the second area S2 (NO in STEP 2), the external sensor 7 detects whether the partial pattern includes an oncoming vehicle CV (STEP 4).

[0076] If the external sensor 7 does not detect an oncoming vehicle CV (NO in STEP 4), the lamp control unit 5 continues to turn on the corresponding individual light source 30 so as to continue irradiating the partial pattern with light (STEP 5).

[0077] In Fig. 10, the partial patterns PHe, PHf, and PHg are partial patterns that include not only the first region S1 but also the second region S2, but do not include the oncoming vehicle CV. In this case, the lamp control unit 5 controls the individual light sources 30e, 30f, and 30g to continue to be lit so as to continue irradiating the partial patterns PHe, PHf, and PHg with light. In this way, the present embodiment can ensure the amount of light for partial patterns that do not include the oncoming vehicle CV, thereby improving visibility during driving assistance.

[0078] When the external sensor 7 detects an oncoming vehicle CV (YES in STEP 4), the partial pattern is determined to be a partial pattern including not only the first region S1 but also the second region S2, and to be a partial pattern including the oncoming vehicle CV. In this case, the lamp control unit 5 turns off the corresponding individual light source 30 so as not to irradiate light onto the partial pattern (STEP 6).

[0079] 11, the partial pattern PHf includes both the first region S1 and the second region S2, and the oncoming vehicle CV is included in the partial pattern PHf, so the lamp control unit 5 turns off the individual light source 30f. In this manner, this embodiment can prevent glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV while continuing to irradiate the first region S1, which is the region below the reference line L, with light.

[0080] After STEP 3, STEP 5, and STEP 6, the lamp control unit 5 checks whether all partial patterns have been determined (STEP 7). If all partial patterns have not been determined (NO in STEP 7), the lamp control unit 5 repeats STEP 2 to STEP 7 for the partial patterns that have not been determined. If all partial patterns PHa to PHi have been determined (YES in STEP 7), the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed and this process ends.

[0081] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of the embodiment. The embodiment is merely an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiment are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the lamp control unit 5, the bank angle sensor 6, and the external sensor 7 are housed in the lamp chamber of the headlamp 1, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The lamp control unit 5, the bank angle sensor 6, and the external sensor 7 may be disposed separately from the headlamp 1.

[0083] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-226553 filed on December 16, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-226554 filed on December 16, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that runs around a corner by leaning the vehicle body toward the turning direction, A light source; an optical member that irradiates light from the light source forward to form a high beam light distribution pattern; and a control unit that adjusts the high beam light distribution pattern to include a first non-illumination range in which the light is not irradiated onto an object outside the vehicle when the vehicle body is moving straight ahead and an object outside the vehicle is detected, When the vehicle body is in a cornering state, the control unit acquires inclination information of the vehicle body and height information of the object, and adjusts the high beam distribution pattern to include a second non-illumination range that is narrower than the first non-illumination range and that is such that the light is not irradiated lower than the height of the object.

2. The light source includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in parallel, the high beam distribution pattern is composed of a plurality of regions formed in parallel along a horizontal direction by light from the plurality of light-emitting elements, 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forms the high beam light distribution pattern including the second non-illuminated range by turning off light-emitting elements that form an area among the plurality of areas that includes the second non-illuminated range based on the height information.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein the control unit turns off all of the light-emitting elements that form an area among the plurality of areas that includes the second non-illuminated area, and turns on all of the light-emitting elements that form an area among the plurality of areas that does not include the second non-illuminated area, thereby completing formation of the high beam distribution pattern that includes the second non-illuminated area.

4. the optical member is composed of at least one of a rotating reflector, a galvanometer mirror, and a polygon mirror; 2. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forms the high beam distribution pattern including the second non-illuminated range by controlling a scanning direction of the light by at least one of the rotating reflector, the galvanometer mirror, and the polygon mirror and a timing of emitting light from the light source based on the height information.

5. The object includes at least one of an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle, 4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the second non-illumination range based on height information of at least one of the oncoming vehicle and the leading vehicle measured by an external sensor provided in the vehicle.

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