Vehicle headlights

Abstract

This vehicle headlight (1) is equipped with: a light source unit (10) for forming a light distribution pattern which can be changed by light beams emitted from a light source group (130); and a control unit (CO). Upon input, from a detection unit (29) for detecting another vehicle present in front of an ego-vehicle (100), of a detection signal of said other vehicle, the control unit (CO) causes first light sources of the light source group (130), which emit light toward a first region (AR1) including an area overlapping a visual recognition part of said other vehicle used by a driver thereof to visually recognize the outside of said other vehicle, to emit light having a lower light intensity than in the case where no detection signal is inputted, and causes second light sources that are among second light sources of the light source group (130), which emit light toward a second region (AR2) surrounding the first region (AR1), and that emit light toward a lower-side region (BA1) located lower than the first region (AR1) to emit light at a lower light intensity toward a location closer to the first region (AR1).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Known examples of vehicle headlamps include the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below. The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 includes an LED array consisting of multiple LEDs, and forms a changeable light distribution pattern using the light emitted from each LED array. Furthermore, when there is another vehicle ahead of the vehicle, the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 performs so-called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) control by turning off the LEDs that illuminate the other vehicle and its surrounding area among the multiple LEDs that form the LED array. According to the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1, by performing ADB control in this manner, the area of ​​the predetermined light distribution pattern that overlaps with the other vehicle and the area surrounding that area are made darker than the other areas, thereby reducing dazzle to the other vehicle.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-131922 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when a vehicle equipped with the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 hits a bump, the non-dimmed area suddenly overlaps with another vehicle, which may cause dazzle to the other vehicle. Therefore, there is a demand for further suppression of dazzle to other vehicles when ADB control is performed.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that can reduce dazzling to other vehicles when ADB control is performed.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention comprises a light source unit that forms a changeable light distribution pattern by the light emitted from each of the light source groups, and a control unit, wherein when a detection signal of another vehicle is input from a detection unit that detects the other vehicle present in front of the vehicle, the control unit causes each of the first light sources in the light source group that emit light toward a first region including an area that overlaps with the other vehicle's viewing portion through which the driver of the other vehicle can see outside the vehicle to emit light with a lower intensity than when the detection signal is not input, and causes each of the second light sources in the light source group that emit light toward a second region surrounding the first region to emit light toward a lower region below the first region, so that the second light source that emits light toward the side closer to the first region emits light with a lower intensity.

[0007] The visible portion refers to the rear window and door mirrors of the preceding vehicle when the preceding vehicle is a preceding vehicle, and to the front window of the oncoming vehicle when the oncoming vehicle is an oncoming vehicle. With this vehicle headlamp, the intensity of the light emitted from the first light source is lower than when a detection signal from the other vehicle is not input, so the first area overlapping the visible portion of the other vehicle is darker than when a detection signal is not input. Therefore, by darkening the first area as described above, it is possible to reduce dazzle to other vehicles when performing ADB control.

[0008] In addition, in this vehicle headlamp, the control unit causes the second light source, which emits light toward a lower region of the second region located below the first region, to emit light with a lower intensity as the second light source emits light toward the side closer to the first region. Therefore, in this vehicle headlamp, in the second region located below the first region, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the region approaches the first region. Thus, the lower region of the second region becomes darker as it approaches the first region. Therefore, even if, for example, the vehicle bumps and tilts upward, causing the lower region of the second region to overlap with a visually recognizable area of ​​another vehicle, this gradation prevents the visually recognizable area of ​​the other vehicle from being suddenly illuminated brightly. Therefore, this vehicle headlamp can more effectively reduce dazzling to other vehicles when performing ADB control.

[0009] Furthermore, when the host vehicle tilts so that the front side of the host vehicle is higher than the rear side, the control unit may increase the vertical width of the lower region as the host vehicle tilts more.

[0010] By doing so, when the second area moves upward and overlaps with the visible area of ​​another vehicle, the lower area where the gradation is formed can be more likely to overlap with the visible area of ​​another vehicle, which makes it possible to more effectively suppress dazzling to other vehicles when performing ADB control.

[0011] Furthermore, when the detection signal is input from the detection unit, it is preferable that the control unit causes the second light source that emits light toward an upper region above the first region to emit light with a lower intensity than the second light source that emits light toward a side closer to the first region.

[0012] With this configuration, a gradation is formed in the second region located above the first region, in which the light intensity decreases as the light approaches the first region. Thus, the upper part of the second region becomes darker as the light approaches the first region. Therefore, even if the vehicle bumps and tilts downward, causing the upper part of the second region to overlap with the visible area of ​​another vehicle, this gradation prevents the visible area of ​​the other vehicle from suddenly becoming brightly illuminated. Therefore, dazzling to other vehicles can be more effectively suppressed when ADB control is performed.

[0013] Furthermore, when the host vehicle tilts so that the rear side of the host vehicle is higher than the front side, the control unit may increase the vertical width of the upper region as the host vehicle tilts more.

[0014] By doing so, when the second area moves downward and overlaps with the visible area of ​​another vehicle, the upper area where the gradation is formed is more likely to overlap with the visible area of ​​another vehicle, which makes it possible to more effectively suppress dazzling to other vehicles when ADB control is performed.

[0015] Furthermore, when the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit may cause at least one of the second light sources, the second light source that emits light toward a left region to the left of the first region and the second light source that emits light toward a right region to the right of the first region, to emit light with a lower intensity than the second light source that emits light toward the side closer to the first region.

[0016] In this specification, the terms "left" and "right" refer to the left and right relative to the traveling direction of the vehicle, unless otherwise specified.

[0017] According to this configuration, in the second region located to the left of the first region, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the driver approaches the first region. In this case, the left region becomes darker as the driver approaches the first region. Furthermore, according to this configuration, in the second region located to the right of the first region, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the driver approaches the first region. In this case, the right region becomes darker as the driver approaches the first region. Therefore, even if the relative positions of the driver's vehicle and another vehicle in the lateral direction change and at least one of the left and right regions of the second region overlaps with the visual recognition area of ​​the other vehicle, this gradation prevents the visual recognition area of ​​the other vehicle from being suddenly illuminated brightly. Therefore, dazzling to other vehicles when performing ADB control can be more effectively suppressed.

[0018] It is also preferable that at least one of the width in the left-right direction of the left region and the width in the right-left direction of the right region is smaller than the width in the up-down direction of the lower region.

[0019] When at least one of the left and right widths of the left and right regions is smaller than the vertical width of the lower region, the area in the second region where no gradation is formed can be widened compared to when both the left and right widths of the left and right regions are equal to or greater than the vertical width of the lower region. Because the area in the second region where no gradation is formed is located on the opposite side of the left and right regions from the first region, it is generally brighter than the left and right regions. Therefore, widening the area in the second region where no gradation is formed can brighten the area ahead of the vehicle, improving visibility during ADB control.

[0020] In addition, the ratio of the left-right width of the left side region to the left-right width of the first region when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle may be greater than the ratio of the left-right width of the left side region to the left-right width of the first region when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle.

[0021] Oncoming vehicles approach more suddenly than preceding vehicles. Therefore, the relative lateral positions of the host vehicle and the oncoming vehicle are more likely to shift to the left than the relative lateral positions of the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, as described above, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the ratio of the lateral width of the left region to the lateral width of the first region is set larger than the ratio of the lateral width of the left region to the lateral width of the first region when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. In this case, the lateral width of the left region when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle can be increased compared to when the ratio is set equal to or smaller than the ratio of the left region to the first region when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. Therefore, even when an oncoming vehicle rapidly approaches the host vehicle and the left region of the second region overlaps with the visualizing portion of the oncoming vehicle, the left region with the gradation formed thereon can prevent the visualizing portion of the approaching oncoming vehicle from being suddenly illuminated too brightly. This effectively reduces dazzling to oncoming vehicles.

[0022] In addition, the ratio of the left-right width of the right side region to the left-right width of the first region when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle may be greater than the ratio of the left-right width of the right side region to the left-right width of the first region when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle.

[0023] As described above, because an oncoming vehicle approaches more suddenly than a preceding vehicle, the relative position between the host vehicle and the oncoming vehicle in the lateral direction is more likely to shift to the right than the relative position between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle in the lateral direction. Therefore, as described above, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the ratio of the lateral width of the right region to the lateral width of the first region is set larger than the ratio of the lateral width of the right region to the lateral width of the first region when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. In this case, the lateral width of the right region when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle can be increased compared to when the ratio is set equal to or smaller than the ratio of the right region to the first region when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. Therefore, even when an oncoming vehicle rapidly approaches the host vehicle and the right region of the second region overlaps with the visualizing portion of the oncoming vehicle, the presence of the right region with a gradation can prevent the visualizing portion of the approaching oncoming vehicle from being suddenly illuminated too brightly. Therefore, dazzling to oncoming vehicles can be effectively reduced when ADB control is performed.

[0024] In addition, the left-right width of a third area, which is the area of ​​the left side area and the right side area that is farther from the vehicle when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, may be larger than the left-right width of a fourth area, which is the area of ​​the left side area and the right side area that is closer to the vehicle when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle.

[0025] When an oncoming vehicle approaches, the area of ​​the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle expands rapidly toward the side farther from the vehicle than toward the vehicle itself. Therefore, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the left and right areas of the second area farther from the vehicle are more likely to overlap with the oncoming vehicle than the left and right areas of the second area closer to the vehicle itself. Therefore, as described above, the width of the third area in the left-right direction is made larger than the width of the fourth area in the left-right direction. By doing so, even if the area of ​​the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the oncoming vehicle's visible portion expands rapidly toward the side farther from the vehicle as the oncoming vehicle approaches, causing the second area to overlap with the oncoming vehicle's visible portion, the presence of one of the left and right areas with a gradation can prevent the oncoming vehicle's visible portion from suddenly becoming brightly illuminated. Therefore, dazzling to oncoming vehicles can be more effectively suppressed when ADB control is performed.

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp can be provided that can reduce dazzling to other vehicles when performing ADB control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view schematically showing one of the light source units shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the light distribution pattern forming section shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern when there is no other vehicle ahead of the host vehicle. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow of a control unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the light source group. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern when a preceding vehicle is present ahead of the host vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern when an oncoming vehicle is present ahead of the vehicle; [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern when a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle are present ahead of the host vehicle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit thereof. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of each component may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a plan view conceptually showing a host vehicle 100 equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the host vehicle 100 is equipped with a vehicle headlamp system 2, which includes a vehicle headlamp 1, a detection device 20, and an inclination calculation device 21.

[0030] First, the vehicle headlamp 1 that constitutes the vehicle headlamp system 2 will be described.

[0031] The vehicle headlamp 1 mainly comprises a pair of left and right light source units 10, a control unit CO, a determination unit 25, a pair of power supply circuits 30, and a memory ME.

[0032] In this embodiment, the pair of light source units 10 have shapes that are roughly symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction of the host vehicle 100, and emit light in a changeable light distribution pattern toward another vehicle located in front of the host vehicle 100. Furthermore, the configuration of one light source unit 10 is the same as the configuration of the other light source unit 10, except that the shapes are roughly symmetrical. Therefore, hereinafter, only one light source unit 10 will be described, and a description of the other light source unit 10 will be omitted.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a side view schematically showing one of the light source units 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the light source unit 10 mainly includes a light distribution pattern forming unit 12, a projection lens 15, and a housing 16.

[0034] The light distribution pattern refers to the shape of an image projected onto a surface located, for example, 25 m ahead, and the light intensity distribution of the image.

[0035] At least the front portion of the housing 16 is translucent, and the housing 16 defines a lamp chamber R in which the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 and the projection lens 15 are housed.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a front view, seen from the front, schematically illustrating the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 of this embodiment has a light source group 130 consisting of a plurality of light sources 13 that emit light, and a circuit board 14 on which the light source group 130 is mounted. This circuit board 14 is connected to a power supply circuit 30.

[0037] 3, the plurality of light sources 13 are arranged in a matrix, and each of the light sources 13 emits light forward. In this embodiment, the light sources 13 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is configured as a so-called LED array.

[0038] Here, assuming that the arrangement of the plurality of light sources 13 along the left-right direction is a row and the arrangement of the plurality of light sources 13 along the up-down direction is a column, in this embodiment, the plurality of light sources 13 are arranged in n rows by m columns. The first column, which is the rightmost column in FIG. 3, is the leftmost column when the traveling direction is used as a reference, and the mth column, which is the leftmost column in FIG. 3, is the rightmost column when the traveling direction is used as a reference. The first row is the topmost row, and the nth row is the bottommost row. In FIG. 3, in order to identify the positions of the light sources 13 in the above-described arrangement, for convenience, some of the light sources 13 are shown as light sources 13 n―m For example, light source 13 1-1is the uppermost and leftmost light source based on the direction of travel, and light source 13 2-1 is the second light source from the top and the leftmost light source based on the direction of travel, and light source 13 1-2 is the uppermost light source and the second light source from the left based on the direction of travel, and light source 13 n―m is the lowest and rightmost light source relative to the direction of travel.

[0039] The arrangement direction of the light sources 13 is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the configuration of the light source unit 10 is not limited to the above. For example, other configurations of the light source unit 10 include a configuration including a DMD (Digital Mirror Device) and a light source that irradiates the DMD with light, and a configuration including an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) that emits light to the LCOS. In the former, the multiple reflective elements included in the DMD can be considered to correspond to the multiple light sources in the LED array, and in the latter, the multiple liquid crystal elements included in the LCOS can be considered to correspond to the multiple light sources in the LED array.

[0040] Such a light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can change the light distribution pattern formed from each light emitted from the light source group 130 by emitting light from some of the light sources 13 in the light source group 130 and turning off the other light sources 13, or by varying the intensity of the light emitted from each light source 13.

[0041] The projection lens 15 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 15 is disposed forward of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. When each light beam emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 enters the projection lens 15, the divergence angle of each light beam is adjusted by the projection lens 15. In this embodiment, the projection lens 15 is a lens whose entrance surface and exit surface are formed in a convex shape, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on or near the light exit surface of one of the light sources 13 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12. The divergence angle of the light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is adjusted by this projection lens 15. In this way, the light that forms the light distribution pattern is emitted from the light source unit 10 through the housing 16 toward the front of the host vehicle 100.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern formed by each light emitted from the light source group 130 and transmitted through the projection lens 15. The light distribution pattern P1 shown in Fig. 4 is an example of a light distribution pattern when there are no other vehicles, such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, ahead of the host vehicle 100. This light distribution pattern P1 is a light distribution pattern when approximately the same power is supplied to each of the light sources 13 and light of approximately the same intensity is emitted from each of the light sources 13. Note that in Fig. 4 and Figs. 7 to 9 described below, line V is a line that passes through the center in the left-right direction of the host vehicle 100 and extends in the up-down direction, and line H is a horizontal line.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the light distribution pattern P1 is substantially rectangular. This light distribution pattern P1 is formed by aggregating a plurality of substantially forward-direction ward-distributed light patterns DP. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern P1 is aggregating n rows by m columns of ward-distributed light patterns DP. The first column on the left side in FIG. 4 is the leftmost column based on the traveling direction, and the mth column on the right side is the rightmost column based on the traveling direction. The first row is the topmost row, and the nth row is the bottommost row. In FIG. 4, in order to identify the position of each ward-distributed light pattern DP in the above-mentioned aggregation, some ward-distributed light patterns DP are shown as ward-distributed light patterns DP for convenience. n―m For example, the district distribution light pattern DP 1-1is the uppermost and leftmost district distribution light pattern, and the district distribution light pattern DP 2-1 is the second from the top and leftmost district distribution light pattern, and district distribution light pattern DP 1-2 is the top and second from the left, and the district distribution light pattern DP n―m is the lowest and rightmost zone distribution light pattern based on the direction of travel.

[0044] In this embodiment, the positions of the district-distributed light patterns DP shown in Fig. 4 correspond to the positions of the light sources 13 shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, for example, the district-distributed light patterns DP 1-1 is light source 13 1-1 The distributed light pattern DP is formed by the light emitted from the 2-1 is light source 13 2-1 The distributed light pattern DP is formed by the light emitted from the 1-2 is light source 13 1-2 The distributed light pattern DP is formed by the light emitted from the n―m is light source 13 n-m In this embodiment, the light intensity of each of the district-distributed light patterns DP in the light distribution pattern P1 is approximately the same.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit CO is connected to a power supply circuit 30 and controls the light source unit 10 via the power supply circuit 30.

[0046] The determination unit 25 is connected to the control unit CO. Based on the detection signal from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 determines whether or not the other vehicle detected by the detection device 20 satisfies a predetermined requirement. An example of the predetermined requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the host vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is, for example, 100 m.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirements and a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 outputs to the control unit CO a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle, a signal related to the distance from the host vehicle 100 to the rear window or door mirror of the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating the position of the rear window or door mirror of the preceding vehicle relative to the host vehicle 100. Furthermore, when the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirements and a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle is input from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 outputs to the control unit CO a detection signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the host vehicle 100 to the front window of the oncoming vehicle, and a signal indicating the position of the front window of the oncoming vehicle relative to the host vehicle 100. On the other hand, when the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements or when a detection signal is not input to the determination unit 25 from the detection device 20, the determination unit 25 does not output a signal to the control unit CO. In this way, the determination by the determination unit 25 means changing the signal to be output depending on the case and depending on the detection signal input from the detection device 20. In the following, a detection signal indicating that another vehicle is an oncoming vehicle may be simply referred to as a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle, and a detection signal indicating that another vehicle is a preceding vehicle may be simply referred to as a detection signal of a preceding vehicle.

[0048] The power supply circuit 30 includes a driver, and when a signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied to each of the light sources 13. As a result, the intensity of the light emitted from each of the light sources 13 is adjusted. The driver of the power supply circuit 30 may adjust the power supplied to each of the light sources 13 by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the intensity of the light emitted from each of the light sources 13 is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle.

[0049] The memory ME is connected to the control unit CO and is configured to store information and to be able to read the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), but may include any type of recording medium, such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a "non-transitory" recording medium includes recording media from which all data can be read except for transient, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media.

[0050] The memory ME stores a table or the like that associates information about the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light source unit 10 with information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20. Examples of the information about the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the light source unit 10 include information about the power supplied to each light source 13. Examples of the information about the power supplied to each light source 13 include information about the power supplied to each light source 13 when no other vehicles are detected, information about the power supplied to each light source when another vehicle is detected, and information about the inclination angle of the host vehicle 100. Examples of the information about other vehicles detected by the detection device 20 include information about whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, information about the distance from the host vehicle 100 to the front windshield, rear windshield, and door mirrors of the other vehicle, and information about the positions of the front windshield, rear windshield, and door mirrors of the other vehicle relative to the host vehicle 100. Examples of the information about the position of the other vehicle relative to the host vehicle 100 include information about the positions of a pair of light points in a captured image.

[0051] Next, the detection device 20 and the tilt calculation device 21 that constitute the vehicle headlamp system 2 will be described.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the detection device 20 includes a millimeter-wave radar 27, a camera 28, and a detection unit 29. The camera 28 is attached to the front of the host vehicle 100 and captures images of the area ahead of the host vehicle 100 at predetermined time intervals, for example, 1 / 30 second intervals. The camera 28 may be, for example, a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera. The captured image captured by the camera 28 includes at least a portion of an area illuminated by light emitted from the light source unit 10. The millimeter-wave radar 27 is attached to the front of the host vehicle 100 and emits millimeter waves forward and receives millimeter waves reflected by other vehicles. The detection unit 29 is connected to the millimeter-wave radar 27, the camera 28, and the determination unit 25. The detection unit 29 detects the distance to the front windshield, rear windshield, and door mirrors of the other vehicle, and the positions of the front windshield, rear windshield, and door mirrors of the other vehicle relative to the host vehicle 100, based on the data of the captured image taken by the camera 28 and the data of millimeter waves reflected from the other vehicle and received by the millimeter-wave radar 27. Furthermore, the detection unit 29 identifies whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle based on the data of the captured image and the millimeter-wave data.

[0053] In this embodiment, when a captured image in which a pair of white light points having a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness are present at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction is input from camera 28, detection unit 29 outputs an oncoming vehicle detection signal to determination unit 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when detecting unit 29 outputs an oncoming vehicle detection signal to determination unit 25, it calculates the distance from host vehicle 100 to the windshield of the oncoming vehicle and the position of the windshield of the oncoming vehicle based on the positions of the pair of white light points in the captured image, the distance between the pair of white light points, and data from millimeter-wave radar 27, and outputs a signal indicating the distance to the windshield of the oncoming vehicle and the position to determination unit 25.

[0054] Furthermore, when a captured image in which a pair of red light points having a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness are present at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction is input from camera 28, detection unit 29 outputs a preceding vehicle detection signal to determination unit 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when detecting unit 29 outputs a preceding vehicle detection signal to determination unit 25, it calculates the distance from host vehicle 100 to the rear window or door mirror of the preceding vehicle and the positions of the rear window or door mirror of the preceding vehicle based on the positions of the pair of red light points in the captured image, the distance between the pair of red light points, and data from millimeter-wave radar 27, and outputs a signal indicating the distance to and position of the rear window or door mirror of the preceding vehicle to determination unit 25.

[0055] On the other hand, the detection unit 29 does not output a detection signal if there is no pair of light points with a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness located at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction in the captured image, or if the millimeter waves received by the millimeter wave radar have an intensity lower than a predetermined intensity.

[0056] Note that there are no particular limitations on the configuration of the detection device 20, the method of detecting other vehicles by the detection device 20, the method of calculating the distance from the host vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle, and the method of distinguishing between an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle. For example, the detection device 20 may use a lidar instead of a millimeter-wave radar.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the inclination calculation device 21 includes a vehicle height sensor 22 and a calculation unit 23. The vehicle height sensor 22 is connected to the calculation unit 23. In this embodiment, the vehicle height sensor 22 is attached to a front wheel suspension of the host vehicle 100, and outputs a signal indicating the displacement amount of the suspension to the calculation unit 23. The calculation unit 23 is connected to the control unit CO. Based on the signal indicating the displacement amount, the calculation unit 23 calculates the inclination angle of the host vehicle 100 when the front side of the host vehicle 100 is tilted so that it is higher than the rear side, and the inclination angle of the host vehicle 100 when the rear side of the host vehicle is tilted so that it is higher than the front side, based on a predetermined algorithm, and outputs a signal indicating the inclination angle to the control unit CO. Note that in this embodiment, the former inclination angle is represented by a positive number, and the latter inclination angle is represented by a negative number.

[0058] The control unit CO, determination unit 25, detection unit 29, and calculation unit 23 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. When an NC device is used, the NC device may or may not use a machine learning device. At least a portion of the control unit CO, determination unit 25, detection unit 29, and calculation unit 23 may be part of an electronic control unit (ECU) of the host vehicle 100.

[0059] In this embodiment, the control unit CO changes the light distribution pattern by controlling the light source unit 10, for example, as follows. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of such control by the control unit CO, and shows an example of control from a certain point while the host vehicle 100 is traveling. As shown in Fig. 5, this control flow includes steps SP1 to SP5.

[0060] (Step SP1) When neither the oncoming vehicle detection signal nor the preceding vehicle detection signal, which are detection signals of other vehicles, are input to the control unit CO from the detection unit 29 via the determination unit 25, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP2. On the other hand, when either the oncoming vehicle detection signal or the preceding vehicle detection signal, which are detection signals of other vehicles, is input to the control unit CO from the detection unit 29 via the determination unit 25, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP3.

[0061] (Step SP2) In this step, the control unit CO refers to the data stored in the memory and outputs a first control signal to the power supply circuit 30. This first control signal is a signal that applies power to each light source 13 so that the light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 4 is formed. As a result, the same power is applied to all of the multiple light sources 13 via the power supply circuit 30. In this way, light of approximately the same intensity is emitted from each of the light sources 13, and the light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG. 4 is formed. After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0062] (Step SP3) When the control unit CO receives a signal from the calculation unit 23 of the tilt calculation device 21 indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined time, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP4. This predetermined time may be, for example, 20 mS to 500 mS. The threshold value of the tilt may be, for example, 0.5° to 3°. If the tilt of the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than this threshold value, the vehicle can be considered to be traveling horizontally and not tilted vertically. On the other hand, when the control unit CO receives a signal from the calculation unit 23 indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the vehicle 100 is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit CO proceeds to step SP5.

[0063] (Step SP4) In this step, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 10 as follows: Here, a case will be described in which a detection signal of a preceding vehicle is input to the control unit CO, but a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle is not input to the control unit CO.

[0064] When the control unit CO receives a signal indicating the detection of a preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the host vehicle 100 to the rear window and door mirrors of the preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the position of the rear window and door mirrors of the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating that the absolute value of the tilt of the host vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a threshold, the control unit CO references the data stored in the memory ME and outputs a second control signal corresponding to these signals to the power supply circuit 30. The power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the plurality of light sources 13 based on this second control signal.

[0065] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the light source group 130. The light source group 130 includes a plurality of first light sources and a plurality of second light sources. Each of the plurality of first light sources is located within a solid-line frame FR1 and is a light source 13 that emits light toward an area overlapping the rear window and a pair of left and right door mirrors of a detected preceding vehicle and the surrounding area. The rear window and a pair of left and right door mirrors of the preceding vehicle are visual recognition areas of the preceding vehicle that enable the driver of the preceding vehicle to see outside the vehicle. On the other hand, each of the plurality of second light sources is located outside the frame FR1 and is a light source 13 that emits light toward an area excluding both the area overlapping the visual recognition area of ​​the preceding vehicle and the surrounding area.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second control signal is a control signal that prevents power from being supplied to the first light sources. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supplied to the first light sources is approximately zero, and the intensity of light emitted from each of the first light sources is approximately zero. In this way, the control unit CO causes each of the first light sources to emit light with a lower intensity than when the above detection signal is not input. Also, in this embodiment, the second control signal is a control signal that supplies power to the second light sources as follows: In this embodiment, each of the second light sources emits light with a higher intensity than that of the first light source.

[0067] Based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a first power greater than zero to each of the light sources 13 arranged in the row immediately below frame FR1. In FIG. 6, the light sources 13 supplied with the first power are the light sources 13 arranged in a dashed frame FR2, which is located directly below the first light source. Based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a second power greater than the first power to each of the light sources 13 arranged in a dashed frame FR3 located in the row immediately below frame FR2. This frame FR3 is located directly below frames FR1 and FR2. Based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a third power greater than the second power to each of the light sources 13 arranged in a dashed frame FR4 located in the row immediately below frame FR3. This frame FR4 is located directly below frame FR3.

[0068] Furthermore, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a fourth power greater than zero to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in the row one row above frame FR1. In FIG. 6, the plurality of light sources 13 supplied with the fourth power are the light sources 13 arranged in a dashed frame FR5, which is located directly above the first light source. Furthermore, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a fifth power greater than the fourth power to each of the light sources 13 arranged in a dashed frame FR6 located in the row one row above frame FR5. This frame FR6 is located directly above frames FR1 and FR5.

[0069] Furthermore, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a sixth power greater than zero to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in the column one column to the left of the frame FR1. In FIG. 6, the plurality of light sources 13 supplied with the sixth power are the light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR7, and the light sources 13 within this frame FR7 are located directly beside the first light source. Furthermore, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a seventh power greater than the sixth power to each of the light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR8, which is located in the column one column to the left of the frame FR7. This frame FR8 is located directly beside the frames FR1 and FR7.

[0070] Furthermore, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies an eighth power greater than zero to each of the plurality of light sources 13 arranged in a column one column to the right of the frame FR1. In FIG. 6, the plurality of light sources 13 supplied with the eighth power are the light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR9, and the light sources 13 within this frame FR9 are located directly beside the first light source. Furthermore, based on the second control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a ninth power greater than the eighth power to each of the light sources 13 arranged within the dashed frame FR10 located in a column one column to the right of the frame FR9. This frame FR10 is located directly beside the frames FR1 and FR9.

[0071] Furthermore, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a tenth power to each of the light sources 13, excluding the light sources 13 positioned within the frames FR2 to FR10, among the second light sources, based on the second control signal. This tenth power is greater than the first to ninth powers, and in this embodiment, is the same as the power supplied to each of the light sources 13 when forming the light distribution pattern P1 shown in FIG.

[0072] The power applied to the light source is roughly proportional to the intensity of light emitted from the light source. Therefore, by varying the power supplied to light source 13 as described above, a light distribution pattern in which the light intensity varies depending on the region is formed. Figure 7 shows the light distribution pattern P2 formed based on the second control signal.

[0073] As described above, each of the multiple first light sources within the frame FR1 emits light toward the first region AR1, which is the region overlapping the rear window and the pair of left and right door mirrors of the detected preceding vehicle 200 and the surrounding area. Incidentally, in this step, the power supplied to each first light source is zero. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the light intensity in the region of the light distribution pattern P2 overlapping the rear window 201 and the pair of left and right door mirrors 202 of the preceding vehicle 200 and the surrounding first region AR1 is approximately zero, making it darker than the surrounding area. Thus, the light source group 130 includes multiple first light sources that emit light toward the first region AR1. In this step, the control unit CO causes each of the first light sources to emit light with a lower luminous intensity than when a detection signal is not input. When the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 200, the position of the lower end of the first region AR1 is lower than the lower end of the rear window 201 of the preceding vehicle 200. In this embodiment, the position is the lower end of the pair of left and right rear lamps 203 of the preceding vehicle 200. On the other hand, since the second light source, which is the light source 13 other than the first light source, is supplied with the first power to the tenth power, which are greater than zero, the second area AR2, which is an area surrounding the first area AR1, becomes brighter than the first area AR1.

[0074] Since the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR2 are located directly below the first light source, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR2 illuminates a region A1, which is located directly below the first region AR1 and is surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line. Thus, this region A1 is brighter than the first region AR1. Furthermore, since the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR3 are located directly below the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR2, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR3 illuminates a region A2, which is located directly below the region A1 and is surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line. Thus, this region A2 is brighter than the region A1. Similarly, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR4 illuminates a region A3, which is located directly below the region A2 and is surrounded by a dashed line. Thus, the region A3 is brighter than the region A2. The area consisting of these areas A1 to A3 is a lower area BA1 that extends downward from the first area AR1 below the other vehicle in the second area AR2, and is an area where the light intensity increases downward and decreases as the area approaches the first area AR1. The area below area A3 is brighter than area A3.

[0075] Thus, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light toward the lower area BA1 that is below the first area AR1. In this step, the control unit CO causes each of the second light sources that emit light toward the lower area BA1 that is below the first area AR1, among all the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emit light toward the second area AR2, to emit light with a lower intensity, such that the second light source that emits light toward the side closer to the first area AR1 emits light with a lower intensity.

[0076] Furthermore, because the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR5 are located directly above the first light source, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR5 illuminates a region A4, which is located directly above the first region AR1 and is surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line. Thus, this region A4 is brighter than the first region AR1. Furthermore, because the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR6 are located directly above the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR5, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR6 illuminates a region A5, which is located directly above the region A4 and is surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line. Thus, this region A5 is brighter than the region A4. The region consisting of these regions A4 and A5 is an upper region BA2 that extends upward from the first region AR1 above the other vehicle in the second region AR2. This region is a region in which the light intensity increases upward and decreases toward the first region AR1. The region above region A5 is brighter than region A5. The vertical width of the upper area BA2, which is made up of the two areas A4 and A5, is smaller than the vertical width of the lower area BA1, which is made up of the three areas A1 to A3.

[0077] In this way, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light toward the upper area BA2 that is above the first area AR1. In this step, the control unit CO causes each of the second light sources that emit light toward the upper area BA2 that is above the first area AR1, among all the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emit light toward the second area AR2, to emit light with a lower intensity, such that the second light source that emits light toward the side closer to the first area AR1 emits light with a lower intensity.

[0078] Furthermore, since the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR9 are located directly to the right of the first light source in the forward view, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR9 illuminates an area A6 surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line located directly to the left of the first area AR1. Thus, this area A6 is brighter than the first area AR1. Furthermore, since the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR10 are located directly to the right of the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR9 in the forward view, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR10 illuminates an area A7 surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line located directly to the left of the area A6. Thus, this area A7 is brighter than the area A6. The area consisting of these areas A6 and A7 is a left area BA3 that extends leftward from the first area AR1 on the left side of the other vehicle in the second area AR2. This area is a left area BA3 where the light intensity increases toward the left and decreases toward the first area AR1. The area to the left of area A7 is brighter than area A7. In this embodiment, the width in the horizontal direction of the left area BA3 consisting of the two areas A6 and A7 is smaller than the width in the vertical direction of the lower area BA1 consisting of the three areas A1 to A3.

[0079] Thus, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light toward the left area BA3 to the left of the first area AR1. In this step, the controller CO causes each of the second light sources that emit light toward the left area BA3 to the left of the first area AR1, among all the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emit light toward the second area AR2, to emit light with a lower intensity, such that the closer the second light source is to the first area AR1, the lower the intensity of the light.

[0080] Furthermore, since the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR7 are located directly to the left of the first light source in a forward view, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR7 illuminates an area A8 surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line located directly to the right of the first area AR1. Thus, this area A8 is brighter than the first area AR1. Furthermore, since the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR8 are located directly to the left of the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR7 in a forward view, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR8 illuminates an area A9 surrounded by a roughly band-shaped dashed line located directly to the right of the area A8. Thus, this area A9 is brighter than the area A8. The area consisting of these areas A8 and A9 is a right-side area BA4 that extends rightward from the first area AR1 on the right side of the other vehicle in the second area AR2, and is an area in which the light intensity increases toward the right. The area to the right of area A9 is brighter than area A9. In this embodiment, the width in the left-right direction of the right area BA4 consisting of the two areas A8 and A9 is smaller than the width in the up-down direction of the lower area BA1 consisting of the three areas A1 to A3.

[0081] In this way, the light source group 130 includes a plurality of second light sources that emit light toward the left area BA4 to the right of the first area AR1. In this step, the controller CO causes each of the second light sources that emit light toward the right area BA4 to the right of the first area AR1, among all the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emit light toward the second area AR2, to emit light with a lower intensity, such that the closer the second light source is to the first area AR1, the lower the intensity of the light.

[0082] After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0083] (Step SP5) In this step, the control unit CO controls the light source unit 10 as follows. Here, as in step SP4, a case will be described in which a detection signal of a preceding vehicle is input to the control unit CO, but a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle is not input to the control unit CO.

[0084] When the control unit CO receives a detection signal of a preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the distance between the host vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle, a signal indicating the position of the preceding vehicle, and a signal indicating that the absolute value of the inclination of the host vehicle 100 is greater than a threshold value, it references the data stored in the memory ME and outputs a third control signal corresponding to these signals to the power supply circuit 30. This third control signal is a control signal that is output when the inclination of the host vehicle 100 is positive.

[0085] Based on this third control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies an eleventh power, which is greater than the third power and less than the tenth power, to each of the light sources 13 located within a frame FR11 located directly below the frame FR4. In Figure 6, the frame FR11 is indicated by a dashed line. This step is similar to step SP4, except that the eleventh power is supplied to the light sources 13 located within the frame FR11.

[0086] The light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR11 are located directly below the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR11 illuminates a region A10, which is a generally band-shaped region surrounded by a dashed line and located directly below the region A3. Thus, the region A10 is brighter than the region A3. Note that the region below the region A10 is brighter than the region A10. The region consisting of the regions A1 to A3, A10 is a lower region BA1 that extends downward from the first region AR1 below the other vehicle in the second region AR2. This region is a region in which the light intensity increases downward and decreases toward the first region AR1. The lower region BA1 in this step is composed of four regions A1 to A3, A10. Therefore, the vertical width of the lower region BA1 in this step is greater than the vertical width of the lower region BA1 in step SP4.

[0087] Based on the third control signal, the power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the power applied to the lower rows increases as the signal indicating the inclination of the host vehicle 100 increases. In this way, when the host vehicle 100 tilts so that the front side of the host vehicle 100 is higher than the rear side, the control unit CO increases the vertical width of the lower area BA1 the greater the inclination of the host vehicle 100.

[0088] On the other hand, when the control unit CO receives a signal indicating that the absolute value of the inclination of the vehicle 100 is greater than the threshold value and that the inclination of the vehicle 100 is negative, it refers to the data stored in the memory ME and outputs a fourth control signal corresponding to these signals to the power supply circuit 30.

[0089] Based on this fourth control signal, the power supply circuit 30 supplies a twelfth power that is greater than the fifth power and less than the tenth power to each of the light sources 13 located within a frame FR12 located immediately above frame FR6. In Figure 6, frame FR12 is indicated by a dashed line. This step is similar to step SP4, except that the twelfth power is supplied to the light sources 13 located within frame FR12.

[0090] The light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR12 are located directly above the light sources 13 arranged within the frame FR6. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, light emitted from each of the light sources 13 within the frame FR12 illuminates a region A11, which is a generally strip-shaped region surrounded by a dashed line and located directly above the region A5. Thus, this region A11 is brighter than the region A5. Note that the region above the region A11 is brighter than the region A11. The region consisting of the regions A4, A5, and A11 is the upper region BA2, which extends upward from the first region AR1 above the other vehicle in the second region AR2. This region is a region in which the light intensity increases upward and decreases toward the first region AR1. The upper region BA2 in this step is composed of the three regions A4, A5, and A11. Therefore, the vertical width of the upper region BA2 in this step is greater than the vertical width of the upper region BA2 in step SP4.

[0091] Based on the fourth control signal, the power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the power applied to the upper rows increases as the signal indicating the inclination of the host vehicle 100 increases. In this way, when the host vehicle 100 tilts so that the rear side of the host vehicle 100 is higher than the front side, the control unit CO increases the vertical width of the upper area BA2 as the inclination of the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0092] After this step, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP1.

[0093] Note that the above steps SP4 and SP5 have been described with reference to an example in which the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle. However, the control unit CO also performs control in the same way when a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle is input. As a result, step SP4 forms the light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 8. This light distribution pattern P3 is composed of a first area AR1 that includes an area overlapping with the windshield 301 of the oncoming vehicle 300, and a second area AR2 that surrounds the first area AR1. The first area AR1 is darker than the second area AR2. The windshield 301 is a visual recognition area for the oncoming vehicle 300, allowing the driver of the oncoming vehicle 300 to see outside the vehicle. When the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the position of the lower end of the first area AR1 is lower than the lower end of the windshield 301 of the oncoming vehicle 300, which in this embodiment is the position of the lower ends of the pair of left and right headlamps 303 of the oncoming vehicle 300. Furthermore, the second area AR2 includes, similarly to the light distribution pattern P2, a lower area BA1 consisting of the areas A1 to A3, an upper area BA2 consisting of the areas A4 and A5, a left area BA3 consisting of the areas A6 and A7, and a right area BA4 consisting of the areas A8 and A9. Furthermore, the control unit CO performs step SP5 to form the lower area BA1 consisting of the areas A1 to A3 and A10, or the upper area BA2 consisting of the areas A4, A5 and A11.

[0094] The control unit CO also performs similar control when both a detection signal of a preceding vehicle and a detection signal of an oncoming vehicle are input. As a result, step SP4 forms a light distribution pattern P4 shown in Fig. 9. In this light distribution pattern P4, a lower area BA1, an upper area BA2, a left area BA3, and a right area BA4 are formed around a first area AR1 including an area overlapping the rear window 201 and the pair of left and right door mirrors 202, which are visible areas of the preceding vehicle 200, and the lower area BA1, an upper area BA2, a left area BA3, and a right area BA4 are formed around the first area AR1 including an area overlapping the front window 301, which is visible area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300. Furthermore, by performing step SP5, the control unit CO forms a lower area BA1 consisting of areas A1 to A3, and A10, or an upper area BA2 consisting of areas A4, A5, and A11, for the preceding vehicle 200 and the oncoming vehicle 300, respectively.

[0095] As described above, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes the light source unit 10 that forms a changeable light distribution pattern with the respective lights emitted from the light source group 130, and the control unit CO. When a detection signal of another vehicle is input from the detection unit 29 that detects another vehicle present ahead of the host vehicle 100, the control unit CO causes each of the first light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light toward a first region AR1 that includes an area overlapping with a visible portion of the other vehicle to emit light with a lower intensity than when a detection signal is not input, and causes each of the second light sources in the light source group 130 that emits light toward a second region AR2 surrounding the first region AR1 to emit light toward a lower region BA1 that is lower than the first region AR1, so that the second light source that emits light toward a side closer to the first region AR1 emits light with a lower intensity.

[0096] According to this vehicle headlamp 1, the intensity of light emitted from the first light source is lower than when a detection signal from another vehicle is not input, so the first area AR1, which includes the area overlapping the visible portion of the other vehicle, is darker than when a detection signal is not input. Therefore, dazzling to other vehicles can be reduced when ADB control is performed. In this manner, in this embodiment, the first area AR1 functions as a glare-reducing area that reduces dazzling to other vehicles.

[0097] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, the control unit CO controls the second light sources, which emit light toward a lower region BA1 of the second region AR2 located below the first region AR1, to emit light with a lower intensity, such that the light intensity of the second light source closer to the first region AR1 is lower. Therefore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, in the lower region BA1 located below the first region AR1, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the light approaches the first region AR1. Thus, the lower region of the second region AR2 becomes darker toward the first region AR1. Therefore, even if, for example, the vehicle 100 bumps and tilts upward, causing the lower region of the second region AR2 to overlap with a visually recognizable area of ​​another vehicle, this gradation prevents the visually recognizable area of ​​the other vehicle from being suddenly illuminated too brightly. Therefore, this vehicle headlamp 1 can more effectively reduce dazzling to other vehicles when performing ADB control.

[0098] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, when the host vehicle 100 tilts so that the front side of the host vehicle 100 is higher than the rear side, the control unit CO increases the vertical width of the lower region BA1 as the tilt of the host vehicle 100 increases. By doing so, when the second region AR2 moves upward and overlaps with the visible portion of another vehicle, the lower region BA1 in which the gradation is formed may be more likely to overlap with the visible portion of another vehicle. Therefore, dazzling to other vehicles can be more effectively suppressed when performing ADB control. Note that when the host vehicle 100 tilts so that the front side of the host vehicle 100 is higher than the rear side, it is not essential to increase the vertical width of the lower region BA1 as the tilt of the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0099] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, when a detection signal is input from the detection unit 29, the control unit CO controls the second light sources, which emit light toward an upper region BA2 of the second region AR2 that is higher than the first region AR1, to emit light with lower intensity toward the side closer to the first region AR1. With this configuration, in the second region AR2 located above the first region AR1, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the light approaches the first region AR1. Thus, the upper region of the second region AR2 becomes darker toward the first region AR1. Therefore, even if, for example, the host vehicle 100 bumps and tilts downward, causing the upper region of the second region AR2 to overlap with the visual area of ​​another vehicle, this gradation prevents the visual area of ​​the other vehicle from being suddenly illuminated brightly. Therefore, dazzling to other vehicles during ADB control can be more effectively suppressed. Note that forming the upper region BA2 with such a gradation is not essential.

[0100] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, when the host vehicle 100 tilts so that the rear side of the host vehicle 100 is higher than the front side, the control unit CO increases the vertical width of the upper region BA2 as the tilt of the host vehicle 100 increases. By doing so, when the second region AR2 moves downward and overlaps with the visible portion of another vehicle, the upper region BA2 in which the gradation is formed is more likely to overlap with the visible portion of another vehicle. Therefore, dazzling to other vehicles can be more effectively suppressed when performing ADB control. Note that when the host vehicle 100 tilts so that the rear side of the host vehicle 100 is higher than the front side, it is not essential to increase the vertical width of the upper region BA2 as the tilt of the host vehicle 100 increases.

[0101] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, when a detection signal is input from the detection unit 29, the control unit CO causes at least one of the second light sources, which emits light toward a left region BA3 to the left of the first region AR1 and which emits light toward a right region BA4 to the right of the first region AR1, to emit light with a lower intensity, the closer the second light source emits light to the side closer to the first region AR1. With this configuration, in the second region AR2 located to the left of the first region AR1, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the light approaches the first region AR1. In this case, the left region BA3 becomes darker as the light approaches the first region AR1. With this configuration, in the second region AR2 located to the right of the first region AR1, a gradation is formed in which the light intensity decreases as the light approaches the first region AR1. In this case, the right region BA4 becomes darker as the light approaches the first region AR1. Therefore, even if the relative positions of the subject vehicle and the other vehicle change in the left-right direction, causing at least one of the left and right areas of the second area AR2 to overlap with the visible area of ​​the other vehicle, the gradation prevents the visible area of ​​the other vehicle from being suddenly illuminated brightly. Therefore, dazzling to the other vehicle when performing ADB control can be more effectively suppressed. However, it is not essential to form the left area BA3 and the right area BA4 with such gradation.

[0102] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, the widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 in the left-right direction are smaller than the width of the lower region BA1 in the up-down direction. When the widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 in the left-right direction are smaller than the width of the lower region BA1 in the up-down direction, the area in the second region AR2 where no gradation is formed can be expanded compared to when the widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 in the left-right direction are equal to or larger than the width of the lower region BA1 in the up-down direction. Because the area in which no gradation is formed is located on the opposite side of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 from the first region AR1, it is generally brighter than the left and right regions BA3 and BA4. Therefore, expanding the area in the second region AR2 where no gradation is formed can brighten the area ahead of the vehicle 100, thereby improving visibility during ADB control.

[0103] In this embodiment, the horizontal widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 are smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1. However, only one of the horizontal widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 may be smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1. In this case, the area in the second region where no gradation is formed can be expanded, compared to when both the horizontal widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 are equal to or greater than the vertical width of the lower region BA1, thereby improving visibility during ADB control. However, it is not necessary to make at least one of the horizontal widths of the left and right regions BA3 and BA4 smaller than the vertical width of the lower region BA1.

[0104] Furthermore, in this vehicle headlamp 1, the vertical width of the upper area BA2 is smaller than the vertical width of the lower area BA1, thereby improving upward visibility.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which power is not supplied to the first light source, but power may be supplied to the first light source as long as the first light source emits light with a lower intensity than the second light source and the intensity of the light in the first area AR1 does not dazzle other vehicles.

[0107] Furthermore, as long as the control unit CO causes the first light source to emit light having a lower intensity than the second light source, and causes the second light source that emits light toward the first boundary region in the second region to emit light having a lower intensity than the second light source that emits light toward the side closer to the boundary with the first region, the changeable light distribution pattern formed by each light emitted from the light source unit 10 is not limited to the light distribution pattern described in the above embodiment.

[0108] 9, the controller CO may set a ratio of the left-right width WF3 of the left region BA3 to the left-right width WF1 of the first region AR1 when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300 larger than a ratio of the left-right width WL3 of the left region BA3 to the left-right width WL1 of the first region AR1 when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle 200. Here, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the number of first light sources that emit light toward the first region AR1 and are lined up in the left-right direction is defined as a number A1, and the number of second light sources in the left region BA3 that receive increasing power as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction is defined as a number B1. When the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle 200, the number of first light sources that emit light toward the first region AR1 and are lined up in the left-right direction is defined as a number C1, and the number of second light sources in the left region BA3 that receive increasing power as they move away from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction is defined as a number D1. In order to make the ratio of width WF3 to width WF1 greater than the ratio of width WL3 to width WL1, power supply circuit 30 may adjust the power supplied to light source group 130 so that the ratio of number B1 to number A1 is greater than the ratio of number D1 to number C1. Additionally, in addition to or instead of this configuration, controller CO may set the ratio of the left-right width WF4 of right region BA4 to the left-right width WF1 of first region AR1 greater than the ratio of the left-right width WL4 of right region BA4 to the left-right width WL1 of first region AR1 when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle 200. Here, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the number of first light sources that emit light toward first region AR1 and are aligned in the left-right direction is set to number A2, and the number of second light sources in right region BA4 that receive increasing power as they move away from first region AR1 in the left-right direction is set to number B2. In addition, when the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle 200, the number of first light sources that emit light toward the first area AR1 and are lined up in the left-right direction is defined as number C2, and the number of second light sources in the right area BA4 that receive increasing power as they move away from the first area AR1 in the left-right direction is defined as number D2.To make the ratio of width WF4 to width WF1 greater than the ratio of width WL4 to width WL1, the power supply circuit 30 adjusts the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the ratio of number B2 to number A2 is greater than the ratio of number D2 to number C2. Oncoming vehicles approach more suddenly than preceding vehicles. Therefore, the relative position between the host vehicle and the oncoming vehicle in the lateral direction is more likely to shift to the left or right than the relative position between the host vehicle and preceding vehicle in the lateral direction. This configuration allows the lateral widths of the left area BA3 and the right area BA4 relative to the oncoming vehicle 300 to be wider than when the ratios are set equal to or less than the ratios of the left area BA3 and the right area BA4 to the first area AR1 when the other vehicle is the preceding vehicle 200. Therefore, even if the oncoming vehicle 300 approaches the host vehicle rapidly and the left or right area of ​​the second area AR2 overlaps with the visible area of ​​the oncoming vehicle 300, the left area BA3 or the right area BA4 in which the gradation is formed is present, so that the visible area of ​​the approaching oncoming vehicle 300 is prevented from being suddenly illuminated too brightly. Therefore, dazzling to the oncoming vehicle 300 when ADB control is performed can be effectively suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, the width in the left-right direction of a third region, which is one of the left region BA3 and the right region BA4 farther from the host vehicle 100 when the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle 300, may be larger than the width in the left-right direction of a fourth region, which is one of the left region BA3 and the right region BA4 closer to the host vehicle 100 when the other vehicle is the oncoming vehicle 300. In this case, the power supply circuit 30 may adjust the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the width in the left-right direction of the third region is larger than the width in the left-right direction of the fourth region. Specifically, the power supply circuit 30 may adjust the power supplied to the light source group 130 so that the number of second light sources, to which power increases with increasing distance from the first region AR1 in the third region, is greater than the number of second light sources, to which power increases with increasing distance from the first region AR1 in the left-right direction, in the fourth region. Note that, for example, in countries or regions where left-hand traffic is required by law, the side farther from the host vehicle 100 is the right side of the oncoming vehicle 300, and the side closer to the host vehicle 100 is the left side of the oncoming vehicle 300. Therefore, in countries or regions where people drive on the left, for example, in the light distribution pattern P3 shown in FIG. 8, the right region BA4 is the third region AR3, and the left region BA3 is the fourth region AR4. Therefore, for example, in countries or regions where people drive on the left, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300, the left-right width WF4 of the right region BA4 may be larger than the left-right width WF3 of the left region BA3. When the oncoming vehicle 300 approaches, the region of the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the visible portion of the oncoming vehicle 300 expands more rapidly on the side farther from the host vehicle 100 than on the side closer to the host vehicle 100. In other words, when the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle 300 in countries or regions where people drive on the left, the third region AR3 in the second region AR2 is more likely to overlap with the visible portion of the oncoming vehicle 300 than the fourth region AR4 in the second region AR2. Therefore, as described above, the left-right width WF4 of the right region BA4 is made larger than the left-right width WF3 of the left region BA3. With this configuration, even when an oncoming vehicle 300 approaches and the area in the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the visible portion of the oncoming vehicle 300 rapidly expands to the right, and the second area AR2 overlaps with the visible portion of the oncoming vehicle 300, the presence of the right area BA4 in which a gradient is formed can prevent the visible portion of the oncoming vehicle 300 from being suddenly illuminated too brightly.Therefore, dazzling to the oncoming vehicle 300 when ADB control is performed can be more effectively suppressed.

[0110] As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp that can reduce dazzling to other vehicles when ADB control is performed is provided, and can be used in fields such as automobiles.

Claims

1. a light source unit that forms a changeable light distribution pattern by each light emitted from the light source group; A control unit; Equipped with When a detection signal of another vehicle present ahead of the host vehicle is input from a detection unit that detects the other vehicle, the control unit causes each of the first light sources in the light source group that emits light toward a first region including a region that overlaps with a visual recognition portion of the other vehicle through which a driver of the other vehicle can see outside the vehicle to emit light with an intensity lower than when the detection signal is not input, and causes each of the second light sources in the light source group that emit light toward a second region surrounding the first region that emits light toward a lower region that is lower than the first region to emit light with an intensity lower than that of the second light source that emits light toward a side closer to the first region. A vehicle headlamp characterized by:

2. When the host vehicle tilts so that the front side of the host vehicle is higher than the rear side, the control unit increases the vertical width of the lower region as the host vehicle tilts more.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

3. When the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit causes the second light source, which emits light toward an upper region that is above the first region, among the second light sources, to emit light having an intensity lower than that of the second light source, which emits light toward a side closer to the first region.

3. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the host vehicle tilts so that the rear side of the host vehicle is higher than the front side, the control unit increases the vertical width of the upper region as the host vehicle tilts more.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 3.

5. When the detection signal is input from the detection unit, the control unit causes at least one of the second light sources, which emits light toward a left region to the left of the first region among the second light sources and which emits light toward a right region to the right of the first region among the second light sources, to emit light with an intensity lower than that of the second light source which emits light closer to the first region.

5. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

6. At least one of the width in the left-right direction of the left region and the width in the right-left direction of the right region is smaller than the width in the up-down direction of the lower region.

6. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 5.

7. When the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, the width in the left-right direction of a third region, which is a region farther from the host vehicle out of the left region and the right region, is larger than the width in the left-right direction of a fourth region, which is a region closer to the host vehicle out of the left region and the right region, 7. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 5 or 6.

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