Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting fixture that does not require a reflective plate (reflective surface) dedicated to light for detecting a detection object (and its return light) and a space for its installation, and can be miniaturized.SOLUTION: A vehicular lighting fixture 10C1 includes: a first light source 20 that emits visible light; a reflective surface 31 designed to reflect the visible light emitted by the first light source and to form a light distribution pattern for the vehicular lighting fixture; and a LiDAR device 50 having a second light source 51 that emits light for detecting a detection object that is transmitted to a first detection range, and a light receiving element 54 that, when return light which is reflected light of the light for detecting the detection object reflected by the detection object is incident, outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of the return light. The LiDAR device is arranged so that light Ray 2 for detecting the detection object emitted by the second light source and reflected by the reflective surface is transmitted to a second detection range that is wider than the first detection range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0008] This is because, instead of installing a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device for detecting the target object as in Patent Document 1, a reflective surface designed to form a light distribution pattern for vehicle lighting is used as the reflective surface that reflects the light (and its return light) transmitted from the LiDAR device for detecting the target object.

[0009] In addition, the LiDAR device is arranged so that the light for detecting the detection target, which is emitted by the second light source and reflected by the reflective surface, is transmitted to a second detection range that is wider than the first detection range (the detection range that the LiDAR device originally has), so the detection range that the LiDAR device originally has can be expanded (particularly in the horizontal direction) to the second detection range.

[0010] In the above-described vehicle lamp, the LiDAR device may include a MEMS mirror that reflects the light for detecting the detection target so that the light for detecting the detection target scans the first detection range.

[0011] In addition, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the reflective surface may be a reflective surface for a wide light distribution pattern designed to reflect visible light emitted by the first light source to form a wide light distribution pattern diffused in the horizontal direction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the reflecting surface may be approximately parabolic, with its focal point located near the first light source, and the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the reflecting surface may be designed so that the visible light emitted by the first light source and reflected by the reflecting surface is diffused in the horizontal direction.

[0013] In the above vehicle lamp, the radius of curvature of the transverse cross section of the reflecting surface may be larger than the radius of curvature of the longitudinal cross section of the reflecting surface.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the reflective surface may include a plurality of reflective areas formed by partitioning the reflective surface, and each of the reflective areas may be designed as a convex or concave surface so that the visible light emitted by the first light source and reflected by the reflective area is diffused in the horizontal direction to form a light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned vehicle lamp may further include a memory unit in which light source control data is stored, and a light source control unit that controls the second light source based on the light source control data so that the light for detecting the detection object is not transmitted in a specific angular direction, and the specific angular direction may be an angular direction toward the boundary portion between the reflective areas.

[0016] In the above vehicle lamp, the LiDAR device may be disposed in front of the reflective surface.

[0017] In the above vehicle lamp, the LiDAR device may be disposed behind the reflective surface.

[0018] In addition, in the above-described vehicle lamp, a reflective member that reflects the light for detecting the detection object emitted by the second light source toward the reflective surface may be provided between the LiDAR device and the reflective surface.

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

[0020] Furthermore, in the above-described vehicle lamp, the reflective member may be an elliptical reflective surface, and the light reflected by the elliptical reflective surface may be crossed (meaning that the light reflected and concentrated by the elliptical reflective surface intersects near a focal point set between the elliptical reflective surface and the other reflective surface to become diffused light. It is not necessary for the light to pass through the focal point, and it is sufficient for the light to intersect) toward the reflective surface.

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

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

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a vehicle lamp 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) An example of a spot light distribution pattern P10A formed by a lamp unit 10A for spot light distribution, (b) an example of a middle light distribution pattern P10B formed by a lamp unit 10B for middle light distribution, (c) an example of a wide light distribution pattern P10C formed by a lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution, and (d) an example of a low beam light distribution pattern PLo. [Figure 3] 2A is a cross-sectional view (schematic) taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a top view (schematic) of a lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution (the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted). [Figure 4] (a) is an example of the (original) detection range (first detection range A1) of the LiDAR device 50 itself, and (b) is an example of a second detection range A2 that is wider than the first detection range A1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a LiDAR device 50. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 (LiDAR device 50). [Figure 7] 10(a) is a top view of a lamp unit 10C2 for wide light distribution according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a top view of a lamp unit 10C2 (modified example) for wide light distribution according to the second embodiment (the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted). [Figure 8] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when a plurality of reflective regions 31b are formed, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram for explaining a method for solving the problem that occurs when a plurality of reflective regions 31b are formed. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a side view of a lamp unit 10C3 for wide light distribution according to a third embodiment (the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a lamp unit 10C4 for wide light distribution according to a fourth embodiment (outer lens 60 and housing 70 omitted). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0026] The vehicle lamp 10 of the first embodiment is a headlamp with a built-in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device that functions as a low beam headlamp, and is mounted on both the left and right sides of the front end of a vehicle such as an automobile (not shown). Since the vehicle lamps 10 mounted on both the left and right sides have a symmetrical configuration, the following description will be directed to the vehicle lamp 10 mounted on the left side of the front end of the vehicle (the left side as viewed from the front of the vehicle) as a representative.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle lamp 10 includes a lamp unit 10A for spot light distribution, a lamp unit 10B for middle light distribution, and a lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution.

[0028] FIG. 2(a) shows a spot light distribution pattern P formed by a lighting fixture unit 10A for spot light distribution. 10A 2(b) shows an example of a middle light distribution pattern P formed by a lamp unit 10B for middle light distribution. 10B 2(c) shows a wide light distribution pattern P formed by a lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution. 10C An example of the low beam light distribution pattern P LoEach of the light distribution patterns P shown in Figs. 10A ~P 10C , P Lo The low beam light distribution pattern P is formed on a virtual vertical screen (located approximately 25 m ahead of the vehicle) facing directly in front of the vehicle. Lo is the spot light distribution pattern P 10A , Middle light distribution pattern P 10B and wide light distribution pattern P 10C are superimposed on each other.

[0029] The wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 will now be described.

[0030] 3(a) is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(b) is a top view (schematic diagram) of a lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution (outer lens 60 and housing 70 omitted).

[0031] 3(a) and 3(b), the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 is a lamp unit with a built-in LiDAR device 50. The LiDAR device 50 is built into only the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1, and is not built into the spot light distribution lamp unit 10A or the middle light distribution lamp unit 10B.

[0032] The wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 includes a first light source 20, a reflector 30, a heat sink 40, and a LiDAR device 50 (LiDAR unit or LiDAR module). The wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 is disposed in a lamp chamber 80 formed by an outer lens 60 and a housing 70, and is fixed to the housing 70, etc. In FIG. 3(a), reference numeral 90 denotes an extension. The extension 90 is a decorative member that covers and conceals the internal structure of the vehicle lamp 10 (such as the LiDAR device 50) so that it cannot be seen from the outside.

[0033] The first light source 20 is a light source that emits visible light (e.g., white light). Specifically, the first light source 20 is a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED mounted on a substrate. The first light source 20 has a light-emitting surface. The light-emitting surface is, for example, a rectangular light-emitting surface measuring 1 mm on each side. The substrate on which the first light source 20 is mounted is fixed to the heat sink 40 with the light-emitting surface facing upward. Hereinafter, the visible light emitted by the first light source 20 will be referred to as light Ray1.

[0034] The reflector 30 includes a reflecting surface 31. The reflecting surface 31 is, for example, a reflecting surface of a paraboloid of revolution, and is formed by applying aluminum vapor deposition or the like to a reflector base material molded from a bulk molding compound (BMC), which is a thermosetting resin. The reflecting surface 31 reflects the light Ray1 emitted by the first light source 20 to form a wide light distribution pattern P 10C (See Fig. 2(c)). 10C 1 is an example of a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp of the present disclosure.

[0035] Specifically, the vertical cross section of the reflecting surface 31 is approximately a parabolic surface, and its focal point F 31 is located near the first light source 20. On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface 31 is not a parabolic surface, but is designed so that the light Ray1 reflected by the reflective surface 31 is diffused in the horizontal direction (for example, in a range of 65° left to 65° right). For example, the radius of curvature of the cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface 31 is designed to be larger than the radius of curvature of the vertical cross-sectional shape of the reflective surface 31.

[0036] As a result, the light Ray1 reflected by the reflecting surface 31 is irradiated forward as light that is diffused mainly in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 3(b)). The reflecting surface 31 having the above configuration produces a wide light distribution pattern P that is diffused in the horizontal direction (for example, in a range of 65° left to 65° right) as shown in FIG. 2(c). 10C is formed.

[0037] The heat sink 40 includes a base and heat dissipation fins. Note that the heat dissipation fins may be omitted. A substrate on which the first light source 20 is mounted and the LiDAR device 50 are fixed to the heat sink 40 (base).

[0038] The LiDAR device 50 has the functions of transmitting (irradiating) laser light, which is light for detecting a detection target (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle), within a first measurement range A1 (the detection range inherent to the LiDAR device 50; see FIG. 4(a)), receiving return light, which is the laser light reflected by the detection target, and measuring the distance to the measurement target based on the time between transmitting the laser light and receiving the return light. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the LiDAR device 50 includes a second light source 51, a beam splitter 52, an optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), a light-receiving element 54, and a case 55 that houses these components. Note that a lens that focuses (collimates) the laser light emitted by the second light source 51 may be provided between the second light source 51 and the beam splitter 52. The case 55 has an opening 55a through which the laser light emitted by the second light source 51 and its return light pass. As the LiDAR device 50, for example, the one described in International Publication No. 2020 / 145095 can be used.

[0039] The second light source 51 is a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a laser diode (LD) that emits laser light. The laser light emitted by the second light source 51 is an example of light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted (irradiated) to (scans the first detection range A1) in a first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see FIG. 4(a)), as will be described later. Hereinafter, the laser light emitted by the second light source 51 will be referred to as laser light Ray2. Furthermore, the return light that is the reflected light of the laser light Ray2 reflected by the detection target will be referred to as return light Ray3. The emission wavelength of the second light source 51 is, for example, 905 to 1500 nm. The second light source 51 emits the laser light Ray2 (in pulses) under the control of the light source control unit 50a.

[0040] The laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 passes through the beam splitter 52 and enters the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a).

[0041] The optical deflector 53 includes a MEMS mirror 53a that reflects the laser light Ray2 so that the laser light Ray2 scans the first detection range A1 (see FIG. 4(a)) two-dimensionally (in the horizontal and vertical directions). The MEMS mirror 53a is swung around two mutually orthogonal axes (for example, the horizontal and vertical axes) under control of a mirror control unit 50b (described later) so that the laser light Ray2 that is incident on and reflected by the MEMS mirror 53a scans the first detection range A1 (see FIG. 4(a)) two-dimensionally (in the horizontal and vertical directions).

[0042] As a result, the second light source 51 emits light, and the laser light Ray2 passes through the beam splitter 52 and enters the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), where it is transmitted (irradiated) to the first detection range A1 (see Figure 4(a)) (scanning the first detection range A1 two-dimensionally).

[0043] The first detection range A1 is a detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has, and has a horizontal spread angle of θ H1 (horizontal viewing angle) and vertical spreading angle are θ V1 (horizontal viewing angle). For example, the angle θ H1 is 20~30°, angle θ V1 is 1 to 10°. For example, the horizontal resolution is 0.5°, the vertical resolution is 0.5°, and the detection (measurement) distance is 100 to 200 m.

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

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

[0046] In order to improve heat dissipation, the LiDAR device 50 (case 55) configured as described above is fixed to, for example, a heat sink 40 to which a substrate on which the first light source 20 is mounted is fixed. In this case, the LiDAR device 50 is disposed in consideration of the distance from the reflecting surface 31, the orientation with respect to the reflecting surface 31, and the like, so that the emission angle (particularly the horizontal emission angle) of the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 and reflected by the reflecting surface 31 becomes large, and the laser light Ray2 is transmitted (irradiated) to a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)) that is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see FIG. 4(a)) (so as to two-dimensionally scan the second detection range A2).

[0047] The second detection range A2 has a horizontal spread angle of θ H2 (horizontal viewing angle) and vertical spreading angle are θ V2 (horizontal viewing angle). For example, the angle θ H2 is 90 to 120°, angle θ V2 is 1 to 10°. The LiDAR device 50 may be fixed to a heat sink or the like that is separate from the heat sink 40.

[0048] In the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 having the above configuration, the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 passes through the beam splitter 52, is reflected by the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), and is further reflected by the reflecting surface 31, thereby increasing the emission angle (particularly the horizontal emission angle) and transmitting (irradiating) the laser light to a second detection range A2 (see Figure 4(b)) that is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see Figure 4(a)) (the second detection range A2 is scanned two-dimensionally).

[0049] The LiDAR device 50 has a center of oscillation F of the MEMS mirror 53a. 53a (temporary focus) and focus F of reflecting surface 31 31 By arranging the distance between the H2 In the LiDAR device 50, the oscillation center F of the MEMS mirror 53a is set so that the laser light Ray2 reflected by the reflective surface 31 and transmitted to the second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)) (scanning the second detection range A2 two-dimensionally) is condensed near the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 and then diffused in the horizontal direction. 53a (temporary focus) and focus F of reflecting surface 31 31 Even by placing the two lenses extremely far apart, the horizontal spread angle θ H2 (See Figure 4(b)) can be increased.

[0050] Next, the function of the LiDAR device 50 will be described.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the LiDAR device 50.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the LiDAR device 50 includes a control unit 56, a memory 57, and a storage unit 58. The control unit 56 includes, for example, a processor (not shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). There may be one processor or multiple processors. The processor functions as a light source control unit 50a, a mirror control unit 50b, a signal processing unit 50c, and a correction unit 50d by executing a predetermined program (not shown) loaded from a non-volatile storage unit 58 such as a flash ROM to the memory 57 (for example, a RAM). Some or all of these may be realized by hardware.

[0053] The light source control unit 50a controls the second light source 51 to emit light in a pulsed manner.

[0054] The mirror control unit 50b controls the laser light Ray2 incident on and reflected from the MEMS mirror 53a to scan the first detection range A1 (the detection range originally possessed by the LiDAR device 50; see FIG. 4(a)) two-dimensionally (in the horizontal and vertical directions) at a measurement point (for example, in the horizontal direction N H pieces, vertical N V The optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a) is controlled so as to scan the measurement points.

[0055] The signal processing unit 50c calculates the distance (distance to the measurement point) associated with the angular direction of the detection object (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) for each measurement point based on the time from when the laser light Ray2 is transmitted until when the return light Ray3 is received, and outputs the angular direction (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) and distance (distance to the measurement point) of the detection object. This output angular direction of the detection object (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) is corrected by the correction unit 50d as described below, and then stored in the memory 57 or the storage unit 58 together with the distance (distance to the measurement point), and is used to detect the detection object (e.g., a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, a motorcycle).

[0056] The correction unit 50d corrects the angular direction of the detection target (for example, the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) output by the signal processing unit 50c based on the correction data 58a. The correction data 58a is stored in the storage unit 58, for example.

[0057] The technical significance of correcting the angular direction of the detection target (for example, the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) is as follows: The laser light Ray2 incident on and reflected by the MEMS mirror 53a is reflected by the wide light distribution pattern P 10C Since the light is reflected by the reflecting surface 31 designed to form a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)), the light is actually transmitted not within the first detection range A1 but into a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)), which is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see FIG. 4(a)).

[0058] Therefore, for example, a laser beam Ray2 that is to be transmitted in a specific angular direction (for example, an azimuth angle θ and a specific elevation angle φ) will have a wide light distribution pattern P 10C (See FIG. 2(c)). As a result, the light is actually transmitted in an angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ+Δθ, elevation angle φ+Δφ) different from the specific angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ, specific elevation angle φ).

[0059] Therefore, the correction unit 50d corrects the specific angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle θ, elevation angle φ) output by the signal processing unit 50c based on correction data, such as azimuth angle θ + Δθ and elevation angle φ + Δφ. Δθ and Δφ are examples of correction data. The correction data (Δθ, Δφ) can be calculated in advance by tracing rays for each angular direction (e.g., azimuth angle, elevation angle) using predetermined simulation software, and stored in the storage unit 58.

[0060] Next, the lamp unit 10A for spot light distribution and the lamp unit 10B for middle light distribution will be briefly described.

[0061] The lamp unit 10A for spot light distribution is different from the lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution in that it does not include a LiDAR device 50, and that the reflecting surface 31 reflects the light Ray1 emitted by the first light source 20 to form a spot light distribution pattern P 10A The difference is that the reflective surface is for a spot light distribution pattern designed to form a spot light distribution pattern (see FIG. 2(a)). Other than that, it has the same configuration as the lighting unit 10C1 for wide light distribution. Although not shown, the lighting unit 10A for spot light distribution is disposed in a lamp chamber 80 formed by an outer lens 60 and a housing 70, and is fixed to the housing 70, etc.

[0062] Similarly, the lamp unit 10B for middle light distribution is different from the lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution in that it does not include the LiDAR device 50 and that the reflective surface 31 reflects the light Ray1 emitted by the first light source 20 to form the middle light distribution pattern P 10B The difference is that the reflective surface is for a middle light distribution pattern designed to form a wide light distribution pattern (see FIG. 2(b)). Other than that, it has the same configuration as the lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution. Although not shown, the lamp unit 10B for middle light distribution is disposed in a lamp chamber 80 formed by an outer lens 60 and a housing 70, and is fixed to the housing 70, etc.

[0063] Next, an example of the operation of the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 (LiDAR device 50) will be described.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 (LiDAR device 50).

[0065] First, a laser beam Ray2 is transmitted (step S10). This is achieved by the light source control unit 50a controlling the second light source 51 to emit light in pulses. The laser beam Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 passes through the beam splitter 52, is reflected by the optical deflector 53 (MEMS mirror 53a), and is further reflected by the reflecting surface 31, thereby increasing the emission angle (particularly the horizontal emission angle). The laser beam Ray2 is then transmitted (irradiated) to a second detection range A2 (see FIG. 4(b)) that is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range originally possessed by the LiDAR device 50; see FIG. 4(a)) (the second detection range A2 is scanned two-dimensionally).

[0066] Next, the return light Ray3 is received (step S11). That is, the return light Ray3, which is the reflected light of the laser light Ray2 transmitted in step S10 and reflected by the detection target, returns to the LiDAR device 50 along the same optical path as the laser light Ray2, is split (reflected) by the beam splitter 52 toward the light receiving element 54, and is incident on the light receiving element 54. When the return light Ray3 is incident on the light receiving element 54, the light receiving element 54 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the return light Ray3.

[0067] Next, the distance to the detection target is calculated (step S12). This is achieved by the signal processing unit 50c. The signal processing unit 50c calculates the distance (distance to the measurement point) associated with the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) for each measurement point based on the time from when the laser light Ray2 is transmitted to when the return light Ray3 is received, and outputs the angular direction (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) and the distance (distance to the measurement point) of the detection target.

[0068] Next, the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) output by the signal processing unit 50c in step S12 is corrected (step S13). This is achieved by the correction unit 50d. The correction unit 50d corrects the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) output by the signal processing unit 50c in step S12 based on the correction data 58a.

[0069] Next, the angular direction of the detection object corrected in step S13 (for example, the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) and the distance calculated in step S12 are stored in memory 57 or storage unit 58. The stored angular direction and distance of the detection object are used to detect the detection object (for example, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicycle, or a motorcycle).

[0070] As described above, according to the first embodiment, a vehicle lamp that can be made compact can be provided, which does not require a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light (and its return light) for detecting the detection target transmitted from the LiDAR device 50 and the installation space therefor.

[0071] This is because, instead of installing a reflector (reflective surface) dedicated to the light (and its return light) for detecting the detection target transmitted from the LiDAR device as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the reflective surface 31 (reflective surface for wide light distribution pattern) provided on the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 is used as a reflective surface that reflects the laser light Ray2 (and its return light), which is the light for detecting the detection target transmitted from the LiDAR device 50.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the LiDAR device 50 is arranged so that the laser light Ray2 (laser light Ray2 scanned by the MEMS mirror 53a) emitted by the second light source 51 and reflected by the reflecting surface 31 is transmitted to a second detection range A2 (see Figure 4(b)) which is wider than the first detection range A1 (the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has; see Figure 4(a)). Therefore, the detection range that the LiDAR device 50 originally has (the first detection range A1) can be expanded (particularly in the horizontal direction) to the second detection range A2.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the signal processing unit 50c is provided with a correction unit 50d that corrects the angular direction of the detection target (e.g., the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the measurement point) based on the correction data 58a. Therefore, even if the detection range (first detection range A1) originally possessed by the LiDAR device 50 is expanded to the second detection range A2 as described above, the detection target can be properly detected. Second Embodiment Next, a lamp unit 10C2 for wide light distribution according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0074] FIG. 7(a) is a top view of a lamp unit 10C3 for wide light distribution according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a top view of a lamp unit 10C3 (modified example) for wide light distribution according to the second embodiment (the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted).

[0075] In the lamp unit 10C2 for wide light distribution of the second embodiment, unlike the lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution of the first embodiment, the reflective surface 31 (reflective surface for a wide light distribution pattern) includes a plurality of reflective areas 31b formed by dividing the reflective surface 31 (for example, dividing it into a grid pattern). Other than that, the lamp unit 10C2 has the same configuration as the lamp unit 10C1 for wide light distribution of the first embodiment. Below, the differences will be mainly described, and similar configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0076] Each of the reflective areas 31b diffuses the light Ray1 reflected by the reflective area 31b in the horizontal direction to form a wide light distribution pattern P 10C (See FIG. 2(c)) (so-called multi-reflectors) are designed as convex (See FIG. 7(a)) or concave (See FIG. 7(b)) surfaces to form a multi-reflector.

[0077] Next, a problem that arises when a plurality of reflective regions 31b are formed as described above will be described.

[0078] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating a problem that occurs when a plurality of reflective regions 31b are formed.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8(a), when multiple reflective areas 31b are formed, there is a risk that the laser light Ray2 incident on the boundary portion B between the reflective areas 31b of the reflective surface 31 will be reflected in an unintended direction within the wide light distribution lighting unit 10C1 (for example, by secondary reflection), which will result in the problem that the target object cannot be detected properly.

[0080] This problem can be solved by controlling the second light source 51 so that the laser light Ray2 is not transmitted in a specific angular direction (here, the angular direction toward the boundary portion B between the reflective areas 31b). This can be achieved, for example, by the light source control unit 50a controlling the second light source 51 based on light source control data or the like.

[0081] Fig. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating a method for solving the problem when multiple reflective areas 31b are formed. In Fig. 8(b), hatched areas HA1 and HA2 represent the range where laser light Ray2 is transmitted, and boundary portion B between hatched areas HA1 and HA2 (blank area without hatching) represents the range where laser light Ray2 is not transmitted.

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the first embodiment, by controlling the second light source 51 so that the laser light Ray2 is not transmitted in a specific angular direction (an angular direction toward the boundary part B between the reflective areas 31b), it is possible to prevent the laser light Ray2 reflected by the reflective surface 31 (the boundary part B between the reflective areas 31b) from being reflected in an unintended direction. <Third embodiment> Next, a lamp unit 10C3 for wide light distribution according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a side view of a lamp unit 10C3 for wide light distribution according to the fourth embodiment (the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted).

[0084] In the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C3 of the third embodiment, unlike the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 of the first embodiment, the LiDAR device 50 is disposed behind the reflector 30 (reflective surface 31) and fixed to the housing 70. The reflector 30 has an opening 30a (or a notch) through which the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 and its return light Ray3 pass. A reflecting member E1 is provided between the LiDAR device 50 and the reflective surface 31, which reflects the laser light Ray2 emitted by the second light source 51 toward the reflective surface 31. The reflecting member E1 is, for example, a mirror or a prism. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that of the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C1 of the first embodiment.

[0085] The center of the MEMS mirror 53a (the oscillation center F 53a ) is the focal point F of the reflecting surface 31 31 However, by tilting the second light source 51 obliquely downward with respect to the reference axis AX (optical axis), the laser light Ray2 can be adjusted to be directed downward. 51 is installed vertically, and the direction of the MEMS mirror 53a is adjusted, so that the vertical direction of the laser light Ray2 can be freely adjusted from downward to upward.

[0086] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the LiDAR device 50 can be arranged behind the reflector 30 (reflective surface 31), which makes it possible to make the lamp unit 10C3 for wide light distribution thinner (thinner in the vertical direction in Figure 9). <Fourth embodiment> Next, a lamp unit 10C4 for wide light distribution according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0087] FIG. 10 is a side view of a lamp unit 10C4 for wide light distribution according to the fourth embodiment (the outer lens 60 and the housing 70 are omitted).

[0088] Unlike the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C3 of the third embodiment, the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C4 of the fourth embodiment uses an elliptical reflecting surface (hereinafter referred to as the elliptical reflecting surface E1) as the reflecting member E1. As a result, the laser light Ray2 reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface E1 crosses and travels toward the reflecting surface 31, where it is reflected and diffused in the vertical direction. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that of the wide light distribution lamp unit 10C3 of the third embodiment.

[0089] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the third embodiment, the laser light Ray2 can also be diffused in the vertical direction.

[0090] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0091] In the above embodiments, examples have been described in which the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle lamp that functions as a low-beam headlamp, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure may be applied to a vehicle lamp that functions as a high-beam headlamp, a vehicle signal lamp, or other vehicle lamps.

[0092] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the scanning LiDAR device 50 is used as the LiDAR device, but this is not limiting. A flash LiDAR device (not shown) or other LiDAR devices may also be used as the LiDAR device.

[0093] The numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiments are all examples, and it goes without saying that other appropriate numerical values ​​can be used.

[0094] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects. The present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the descriptions of the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10...vehicle lamp, 10A, 10B, 10C1 to 10C5...lamp unit, 20...light source 30...reflector, 30a...opening, 31...reflective surface, 31a...reflective surface for LiDAR device, 31b...reflective area, 40...heat sink, 50...LiDAR device, 50a...light source control unit, 50b...mirror control unit, 50c...signal processing unit, 50d...correction unit, 51...semiconductor light emitting element, 52...beam splitter, 53...optical deflector, 53a...MEMS mirror, 54...light receiving element, 55...case, 55a...opening, 56...control unit, 57...memory, 58...storage unit, 58a...correction data, 60...outer lens, 70...housing, 80...lamp chamber, 90...extension, A1...first detection range, A2...second detection range, AX...reference axis, AX 51 ...optical axis, B...boundary, E1...elliptical reflecting surface (optical element), F 31 …Focus, P 10A …Spot light distribution pattern, P 10B …Middle light distribution pattern, P 10C …Wide light pattern, P Lo …Low beam light distribution pattern

Claims

1. a first light source that emits visible light; a reflecting surface designed to reflect visible light emitted by the first light source to form a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp; a LiDAR device including: a second light source that emits light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted to a first detection range; and a light receiving element that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of return light when return light, which is reflected light of the light for detecting a detection target that is reflected by the detection target, is incident thereon; The LiDAR device is arranged so that the light for detecting the detection object, which is emitted from the second light source and reflected by the reflective surface, is transmitted to a second detection range that is wider than the first detection range, The reflective surface is a reflective surface for forming a wide light distribution pattern, which is designed to reflect visible light emitted by the first light source and form a wide light distribution pattern that is diffused in the horizontal direction.

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

3. the vertical cross section of the reflecting surface is a substantially parabolic surface, the focal point of which is located near the first light source; 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the reflecting surface is designed so that the visible light emitted by the first light source and reflected by the reflecting surface is diffused in a horizontal direction.

4. 4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the radius of curvature of the transverse cross section of the reflecting surface is larger than the radius of curvature of the longitudinal cross section of the reflecting surface.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the LiDAR device is disposed in front of the reflecting surface.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the LiDAR device is disposed behind the reflective surface.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 6, wherein a reflective member is provided between the LiDAR device and the reflective surface, the reflective member reflecting the light for detecting the detection object emitted by the second light source toward the reflective surface.

8. 8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the reflecting member is a mirror or a prism.

9. the reflecting member is an elliptical reflecting surface, 8. A vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the light reflected by the elliptical reflecting surface crosses and travels toward the reflecting surface.

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

11. A first light source that emits visible light; a reflecting surface designed to reflect visible light emitted by the first light source to form a light distribution pattern for a vehicle lamp; a LiDAR device including: a second light source that emits light for detecting a detection target that is transmitted to a first detection range; and a light receiving element that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of return light when return light, which is reflected light of the light for detecting a detection target that is reflected by the detection target, is incident thereon; The LiDAR device is arranged so that the light for detecting the detection object, which is emitted from the second light source and reflected by the reflective surface, is transmitted to a second detection range that is wider than the first detection range. (Basis for amendment: Previous claim 1) the reflecting surface includes a plurality of reflecting regions formed by dividing the reflecting surface, Each of the reflective areas is designed as a convex or concave surface so that the visible light emitted by the first light source and reflected by the reflective area is diffused horizontally to form a light distribution pattern for the vehicle lamp.

12. a storage unit in which light source control data is stored; a light source control unit that controls the second light source based on the light source control data so that the light for detecting the detection object is not transmitted in a specific angular direction, The vehicular lamp according to claim 11, wherein the specific angular direction is an angular direction toward a boundary portion between the reflective areas.

13. A vehicle lamp described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the LiDAR device is arranged in front of or behind the reflective surface.

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