Vehicle lighting fixtures

Abstract

A headlamp (1) is provided in a two-wheeled vehicle that travels on a corner by leaning a vehicle body toward the direction of the turn. The headlamp (1) comprises a cornering lamp (4) and a lamp control unit (5). A light source of the cornering lamp (4) forms a lateral light distribution pattern beside a high-beam light distribution pattern when the vehicle body is banking. The lamp control unit (5) controls the light source of the cornering lamp (4). The lamp control unit (5) varies the amount of light of the light source of the cornering lamp (4) according to the bank angle of the vehicle body. If an object outside the vehicle is sensed, the lamp control unit (5) varies the amount of light of the light source of the cornering lamp (4) to form a dark area in the region corresponding to the object in the lateral light distribution pattern.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle lighting device having a high beam light source and a low beam light source as a headlamp for a motorcycle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] When turning right or left on a motorcycle, the driver shifts their center of gravity and leans the vehicle in the direction of the turn, increasing the bank angle as they go around the corner. There is room for improvement in the configuration to form an appropriate light distribution pattern when the vehicle is banking.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle lamp that forms a side light distribution pattern that can reduce glare or power consumption while improving forward visibility when the vehicle body is leaning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle lamp according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that travels around a corner by tilting the vehicle body in the direction of the turn, a side light source that forms a side light distribution pattern on a side of the high beam light distribution pattern when the vehicle body is banked; a control unit that controls the side light source; It is equipped with the control unit changes the light intensity of the side light source in accordance with a bank angle of the vehicle body, When an object outside the vehicle is detected, the control unit changes the light intensity of the side light source so as to form a dark portion in an area of ​​the side light distribution pattern corresponding to the object.

[0007] According to the vehicle lamp of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the light intensity of the side light sources is changed in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body, thereby improving forward visibility when the vehicle body is banked and reducing power consumption of the side light sources. Furthermore, the light intensity of the side light sources is changed so as to form dark areas in the side light distribution pattern in areas corresponding to objects outside the vehicle, thereby reducing glare on the objects.

[0008] A vehicle lamp according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that travels around a corner by tilting the vehicle body in the direction of the turn, a side light source that forms a side light distribution pattern on a side of the high beam light distribution pattern when the vehicle body is banked; and a control unit that changes the light intensity of the side light source in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body and the speed of the vehicle.

[0009] According to the vehicle lamp of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the light intensity of the side light sources is changed according to the bank angle of the vehicle body and the vehicle speed, thereby reducing the power consumption of the side light sources. Furthermore, the light intensity of the side light sources is changed according to the assumed speed of the vehicle traveling around a corner with a predetermined curve, making it possible to irradiate light to a desired range according to the curve of the corner being traveled. Therefore, forward visibility is improved when the vehicle body is banked. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the vehicle lamp of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle lamp that forms a side light distribution pattern that can reduce glare or power consumption while improving forward visibility when the vehicle body is leaning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorcycle equipped with a headlamp according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by the headlamp of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the headlamp according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current value supplied to each light source of the right cornering lamp and the bank angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current value supplied to each light source of the right cornering lamp and the bank angle when an oncoming vehicle is detected. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when an oncoming vehicle is detected. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when an oncoming vehicle is detected. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when an oncoming vehicle is detected. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a high beam lamp unit provided in a headlamp. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a light source unit provided in the high beam lamp unit of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by the headlamp of FIG. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the value of the current supplied to the light source of the high beam lamp unit when the motorcycle body is traveling straight. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the value of the current supplied to the light source of the high beam lamp unit when the high beam light distribution pattern of FIG. 16 is formed. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the value of the current supplied to the light source of the high beam lamp unit when the high beam light distribution pattern of FIG. 18 is formed. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the value of the current supplied to the light source of the high beam lamp unit when the high beam light distribution pattern of FIG. 20 is formed. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern formed when an oncoming vehicle is detected. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a headlamp according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the flow of control of the cornering lamps by the lamp control unit. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current value supplied to the light source and the bank angle of the vehicle body. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current value supplied to the light source and the bank angle of the vehicle body. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a side light distribution pattern formed when the vehicle is traveling with the body tilted to the right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, the terms "left-right direction," "front-rear direction," and "up-down direction" are relative directions set for the convenience of explanation with respect to motorcycle 100 shown in FIG.

[0013] 1 shows a motorcycle 100 equipped with headlamps 1, 10 according to this embodiment. The motorcycle 100 is a vehicle that can travel around corners (curves) on a road by leaning the body in the direction of the turn.

[0014] The headlamp 1, 10 is mounted on the front of the motorcycle 100. The headlamp 1, 10 is a lamp that can irradiate light ahead of the vehicle. The headlamp 1, 10 includes a low beam lamp unit 2, a high beam lamp unit 3, and a cornering lamp 4. The headlamp 1, 10 is an example of a vehicle lamp.

[0015] The light emitted from the low beam lamp unit 2 is configured to be emitted in front of the vehicle to form a low beam light distribution pattern, and the light emitted from the high beam lamp unit 3 is configured to be emitted in front of the vehicle to form a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0016] The cornering lamps 4 are configured to form side light distribution patterns to the sides of the high beam light distribution pattern by emitting light ahead of the vehicle when the vehicle body is banking. In this example, the cornering lamps 4 include a right cornering lamp 4R provided on the right side of the vehicle body and a left cornering lamp 4L provided on the left side of the vehicle body.

[0017] As used herein, the expression "the body banking" means that the body of the motorcycle 100 leans to the left or right relative to a vertical line. The term "bank angle" as used herein means the lean angle when the body of the motorcycle 100 leans to the left or right relative to a vertical line.

[0018] The right cornering lamp 4R includes light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3. Each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 is independently controlled to be turned on and off. The left cornering lamp 4L includes light sources 40L1, 40L2, and 40L3. Each of the light sources 40L1, 40L2, and 40L3 is independently controlled to be turned on and off. The light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 and the light sources 40L1, 40L2, and 40L3 are examples of side light sources. The light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 and the light sources 40L1, 40L2, and 40L3 are examples of light-emitting elements. In the following description, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 and the light sources 40L1, 40L2, and 40L3 may be simply referred to as light sources 40.

[0019] Fig. 2 shows a light distribution pattern P formed by the headlamps 1, 10. The light distribution pattern P is a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen placed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example, 25 m in front of the lamp, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is perpendicular to the road surface. In Fig. 2, HH indicates the horizontal direction (horizontal line H), and VV indicates the vertical direction (vertical line V).

[0020] The light distribution pattern P is formed by combining a high-beam light distribution pattern PH, a low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and a side light distribution pattern PC. In this example, the side light distribution pattern PC is formed by a right-hand light distribution pattern PCR and a left-hand light distribution pattern PCL. Specifically, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR is formed by the right cornering lamp 4R so as to extend at least further to the right of the vehicle body than the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The left-hand light distribution pattern PCL is formed by the left cornering lamp 4L so as to extend at least further to the left of the vehicle body than the high-beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0021] The light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R form partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, and PCR3, respectively. The partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, and PCR3 are formed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The right light distribution pattern PCR is formed by combining the partial patterns PCR1, PCR2, and PCR3. The light sources 40L1, 40L2, and 40L3 of the left cornering lamp 4L form partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, and PCL3, respectively. The partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, and PCL3 are formed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The left light distribution pattern PCL is formed by combining the partial patterns PCL1, PCL2, and PCL3.

[0022] (First embodiment) As shown in Fig. 3, the headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment includes a lamp control unit 5. A low beam lamp unit 2, a high beam lamp unit 3, and a cornering lamp 4 are connected to the lamp control unit 5. The lamp control unit 5 controls the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4. The lamp control unit 5 is an example of a control unit.

[0023] A bank angle sensor 6 and an external sensor 7 are electrically connected to the lamp control unit 5. The bank angle sensor 6 detects the tilt state of the motorcycle 100. Specifically, the bank angle sensor 6 is a sensor capable of detecting the bank angle of the body of the motorcycle 100. The bank angle sensor 6 is configured by, for example, a gyro sensor.

[0024] The external sensor 7 acquires environmental information outside the vehicle, including information on objects. Specifically, the external sensor 7 is a sensor that can acquire information on the outside of the vehicle, including the surrounding environment of the motorcycle 100 (for example, obstacles, other vehicles (vehicles in front, oncoming vehicles), pedestrians, road shapes, traffic signs, etc.). The external sensor 7 is, for example, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging, camera, radar, etc.

[0025] Information about the bank angle of the vehicle body is transmitted from the bank angle sensor 6 to the lamp control unit 5. Information about the environment outside the vehicle is transmitted from an external sensor 7 to the lamp control unit 5. The lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamps 4 based on the information about the bank angle of the vehicle body and the information about the environment outside the vehicle. Specifically, the lamp control unit 5 adjusts the side light distribution pattern PC by changing the light intensity of the light source 40 of the cornering lamp 4 according to the bank angle of the vehicle body and an object present in front of the vehicle.

[0026] A method for adjusting the side light distribution pattern PC by the lamp control unit 5 will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 to 11. Note that the following describes the control of the right cornering lamp 4R when traveling around a right-facing corner. The control of the left cornering lamp 4L when traveling around a left-facing corner is the same as the control of the right cornering lamp 4R except that the left and right directions are reversed, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] For example, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right, such as when traveling around a right-facing corner, the lamp control unit 5 adjusts the lateral light distribution pattern so that the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R is reduced in order from the light source that forms the lower region within the lateral light distribution pattern as the bank angle of the body of the motorcycle 100 increases.

[0028] 4, when it is determined that the bank angle A of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a first threshold value Ath1, the lamp control unit 5 supplies current to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R. The first threshold value Ath1 can be set appropriately based on, for example, the minimum bank angle at which the body of the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be tilted in order to travel around a corner on a road.

[0029] As a result, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 are turned on, and as illustrated in Figure 5, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of the partial pattern PCR1 formed by the light source 40R1, the partial pattern PCR2 formed by the light source 40R2, and the partial pattern PCR3 formed by the light source 40R3.

[0030] When the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a second threshold value Ath2 that is greater than the first threshold value Ath1, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R1 that forms the partial pattern PCR1 that constitutes the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR. The second threshold value Ath2 can be set appropriately based on, for example, a bank angle at which the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR formed on the road surface close to the vehicle body is not expected to contribute to long-distance visibility.

[0031] As a result, the amount of light from light source 40R1 decreases, and as illustrated in Figure 6, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR2, partial pattern PCR3, and partial pattern PCR1, which has an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR2 and partial pattern PCR3.

[0032] If the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a third threshold value Ath3 that is greater than the second threshold value Ath2, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2 that forms the partial pattern PCR2 located above the partial pattern PCR1. The lamp control unit 5 also reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R1 to be less than the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2. The third threshold value Ath3 is set appropriately depending on, for example, the number and size of the partial patterns formed by the light sources 40 of the cornering lamp 4.

[0033] As a result, the light intensity of the light source 40R1 and the light intensity of the light source 40R2 are reduced, and as illustrated in Figure 7, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR3, partial pattern PCR2 having an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR3, and partial pattern PCR1 having an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR2.

[0034] When adjusting the lateral light distribution pattern according to the bank angle of the vehicle body as described above, if an object is detected in front of the motorcycle 100, the lamp control unit 5 changes the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R so that a dark area is formed in the area of ​​the lateral light distribution pattern PC corresponding to the object.

[0035] The term "dark area" used in this specification may include not only a non-illuminated area formed by not irradiating light from the light source 40, but also a low-illuminance area formed by irradiating dimmed light from the light source 40. "Low illuminance" means an illuminance that does not cause glare to the driver of an oncoming vehicle, which is an example of an object.

[0036] Specifically, the lamp control unit 5 detects the status of the oncoming vehicle CV, including the presence or absence of the oncoming vehicle CV and its location, based on environmental information outside the vehicle acquired from the external sensor 7. The location of the oncoming vehicle CV includes the distance from the motorcycle 100 to the oncoming vehicle and the coordinates of the oncoming vehicle's position on a virtual vertical screen. The lamp control unit 5 also detects the status of the host vehicle, including the inclination state of the host vehicle, based on bank angle information of the vehicle body acquired from the bank angle sensor 6. The lamp control unit 5 identifies the area ahead of the vehicle where the oncoming vehicle CV is located, based on the status of the oncoming vehicle CV and the status of the host vehicle. The lamp control unit 5 dims or turns off the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 that emit light to the identified area.

[0037] Fig. 8 illustrates the relationship between the current values ​​supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 and the bank angle of the vehicle body when an oncoming vehicle CV is present in front of the motorcycle 100. Figs. 9 to 11 illustrate side light distribution patterns formed when an oncoming vehicle CV is present in front of the motorcycle 100.

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right and it is determined that an oncoming vehicle CV is present in front of the vehicle, the lamp control unit 5 controls the cornering lamps 4 so as not to light up the light sources 40 that form a partial pattern in the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR that includes an area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV.

[0039] That is, as illustrated from the first threshold value Ath1 to the second threshold value Ath2 in Fig. 8, the lamp control unit 5 supplies current only to the light source 40R1 of the right cornering lamp 4R, and does not supply current to the light sources 40R2 and 40R3 that form the partial patterns PCR2 and PCR3 that include the area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV. As a result, only the light source 40R1 is turned on, and the right light distribution pattern PCR is formed only by the partial pattern PCR1 formed by the light source 40R1, as illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0040] When the vehicle body is tilted further to the right, as illustrated from the second threshold value Ath2 to the third threshold value Ath3 in FIG. 8, the lamp control unit 5 supplies current to the light source 40R2 that forms the partial pattern PCR2, which no longer includes the area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV. Meanwhile, the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R1 that forms the partial pattern PCR1 that constitutes the lower area in the right light distribution pattern PCR is reduced. As a result, the light source 40R2 is turned on, and the light intensity of the light source 40R1 is reduced. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the right light distribution pattern PCR is a light distribution pattern that combines the partial pattern PCR2 and the partial pattern PCR1, which has an illuminance lower than that of the partial pattern PCR2.

[0041] When the vehicle body is further tilted to the right, as illustrated by the third threshold Ath3 or more in Fig. 8, the lamp control unit 5 supplies current to the light source 40R3 that forms the partial pattern PCR3 that no longer includes the area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV. Meanwhile, the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2 that forms the partial pattern PCR2 located above the partial pattern PCR1 is reduced. Also, the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R1 is reduced more than the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2.

[0042] As a result, light source R3 is turned on, and the light intensity of light source 40R1 and the light intensity of light source 40R2 are reduced. As illustrated in Fig. 11, the rightward light distribution pattern PCR is a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR3, partial pattern PCR2 whose illuminance is lower than that of partial pattern PCR3, and partial pattern PCR1 whose illuminance is lower than that of partial pattern PCR2.

[0043] According to the above-described configuration, the lamp control unit 5 changes the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R in accordance with the bank angle of the motorcycle 100. As a result, the total current supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 changes depending on the bank angle of the motorcycle 100. For example, as illustrated by the two-dot chain lines in FIGS. 4 and 8, the total current supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 decreases as the bank angle of the motorcycle 100 increases. This reduces the power consumption of the right cornering lamp 4R compared to a configuration in which the total current supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 does not change depending on the bank angle of the motorcycle 100. Meanwhile, for example, by changing the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in accordance with the bank angle of the motorcycle 100 without reducing the light intensity of the light sources that form the partial pattern that contributes to forward visibility, forward visibility can be improved when the motorcycle 100 is banked.

[0044] In addition, the lamp control unit 5 changes the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R so as to form a dark area in the area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV in the right light distribution pattern PCR, thereby reducing glare for the driver of the oncoming vehicle CV.

[0045] For example, the lamp control unit 5 turns off the light source 40 that forms a partial pattern including an area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV among the multiple light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R. This allows a dark area to be formed in the area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV. Note that the lamp control unit 5 may also reduce the light intensity of the light source so that the partial pattern including the oncoming vehicle CV is formed with dimmed light that does not cause glare to the oncoming vehicle CV.

[0046] Furthermore, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the light intensity in order from the light sources 40 that form the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases. As the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, the light from the right cornering lamp 4R is irradiated more onto the road surface closer to the vehicle body, and contributes less to long-distance visibility. In other words, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, the partial patterns that form the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR contribute less to long-distance visibility. Therefore, by reducing the light intensity in order from the light sources that form the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the right cornering lamp 4R while maintaining long-distance visibility.

[0047] 4 and 8, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 so that the light intensity of each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 decreases as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases. By dimming the light intensity of each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body in this manner, it is possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable. Note that the light intensity of each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 may be dimmed stepwise as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, or may be dimmed continuously.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the vehicle body is tilted to the right, the lamp control unit 5 turns on all of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3, as illustrated in Fig. 4. However, when the vehicle body is tilted to the right, only some of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 may be turned on.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 dims the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body. However, the lamp control unit 5 may also turn off the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an oncoming vehicle CV is present ahead of the vehicle, the lamp control unit 5 does not turn on the light sources 40 that form a partial pattern in the side light distribution pattern PC that includes an area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV. However, when an oncoming vehicle CV is detected ahead of the vehicle after turning on the light sources 40 of the cornering lamps 4, the lamp control unit 5 may dim or turn off the light sources 40 that irradiate the area of ​​the oncoming vehicle CV.

[0051] In this embodiment, the lamp control unit 5 adjusts the side light distribution pattern PC in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body and an object present in front of the vehicle. However, the lamp control unit 5 can be configured to adjust the high beam light distribution pattern PH by changing the light intensity of the high beam lamp unit 3 in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body.

[0052] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a high beam lamp unit. As shown in Fig. 12, the high beam lamp unit 3 is disposed inside a lamp chamber 13 formed by a lamp body 11 and a front cover 12 of the headlamp 1. The high beam lamp unit 3 includes a projection lens 31, a light source unit 32, and a holder 33.

[0053] The projection lens 31 is a plano-convex aspherical lens with a convex front surface and a flat rear surface. The projection lens 31 is disposed on an optical axis Ax extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The peripheral edge of the projection lens 31 is held by a holder 33 at the front end side.

[0054] As illustrated in Fig. 13, the light source unit 32 has a plurality of light sources 30a to 30g and a support plate 34. The light sources 30a to 30g are fixed to the front surface of the support plate 34. Each of the light sources 30a to 30g is a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED). The light sources 30a to 30g are configured as an LED array, for example, arranged in seven columns and one row in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the optical axis Ax). Each of the light sources 30a to 30g is controlled so that it can be turned on and off independently.

[0055] 12, the light source unit 32 is held on the rear end side of the holder 33, with the plurality of light sources 30a to 30g arranged so that they face forward in the direction of the optical axis Ax. Light from the plurality of light sources 30a to 30g is irradiated forward of the lamp by the projection lens 31, thereby forming a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0056] Fig. 14 shows a light distribution pattern P10 formed by a headlamp 1 equipped with a high beam lamp unit 3 configured in this manner. The light distribution pattern P10 is a light distribution pattern formed on a virtual vertical screen placed at a predetermined position in front of the lamp, for example, 25 m in front of the lamp, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is perpendicular to the road surface. Light distribution patterns that are substantially the same as the light distribution patterns that make up the light distribution pattern P shown in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0057] The light distribution pattern P10 is formed by combining a high-beam light distribution pattern PH10, a low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and a side light distribution pattern PC. The side light distribution pattern PC is formed by a right-hand light distribution pattern PCR and a left-hand light distribution pattern PCL.

[0058] The light sources 30a to 30g of the light source unit 32 form partial patterns PHa to PHg, respectively. Specifically, the light source 30a of the high beam lamp unit 3 forms partial pattern PHa. The light source 30b forms partial pattern PHb. The light source 30c forms partial pattern PHc. The light source 30d forms partial pattern PHd. The light source 30e forms partial pattern PHe. The light source 30f forms partial pattern PHf. The light source 30g forms partial pattern PHg. The partial patterns PHa to PHg are combined to form the high beam light distribution pattern PH10. That is, the high beam light distribution pattern PH10 is composed of partial patterns PHa to PHg formed in parallel along the horizontal direction by light from the light sources 30a to 30g.

[0059] Next, a method for adjusting the high beam light distribution pattern PH10 by the lamp control unit 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 21. Note that in the light distribution pattern P10 illustrated in Figs. 16, 18, and 20, the side light distribution pattern is not shown. Also, below, the control of the high beam lamp unit 3 when traveling around a right-facing corner will be described. The control of the high beam lamp unit 3 when traveling around a left-facing corner is the same as the control of the high beam lamp unit 3 when traveling around a right-facing corner, except that the left and right directions are reversed, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] When the body of the motorcycle 100 is traveling straight, that is, when the motorcycle 100 is traveling with the body perpendicular to the road surface, as illustrated in Figure 15, the lamp control unit 5 controls the amount of current supplied to the light sources 30a to 30g of the high beam lamp unit 3 so that the current value supplied to the light source 30d that forms the partial pattern PHd in the center (on the vertical line V) is the highest, and the current value supplied to the light sources that form the partial patterns located to the left and right is low.

[0061] On the other hand, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right, such as when traveling around a right-facing corner, the lamp control unit 5 changes the amount of current supplied to the light sources 30a-30g according to the bank angle of the body. For example, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the light intensity of the light sources 30a-30g on the opposite side of the banking direction and increases the light intensity of the light sources on the same side as the banking direction.

[0062] 16 and 17, when the lamp control unit 5 determines that the bank angle A of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value Ath4, it reduces the amount of current supplied to the light sources 30a to 30d and increases the amount of current supplied to the light sources 30f and 30g. The fourth threshold value Ath4 can be set appropriately based on, for example, a bank angle at which a portion of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH10 is expected to be farther away from the horizon H and therefore not contribute to long-distance visibility. The term "fourth" in the fourth threshold value Ath4 is used merely to distinguish it from the first threshold value Ath1 to the third threshold value Ath3 described above, and it does not matter whether the fourth threshold value Ath4 is larger or smaller than the first threshold value Ath1 to the third threshold value Ath3.

[0063] 16, the high beam light distribution pattern PH10 is formed by combining the partial patterns PHb to PHg. The high beam light distribution pattern PH10 is a light distribution pattern in which the partial patterns PHb to PHd that are farther away from the horizon H have low illuminance, and the partial patterns PHe to PHg that are closer to the horizon H have high illuminance.

[0064] 18 and 19, if the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a fifth threshold Ath5 that is greater than the fourth threshold Ath4, the lamp control unit 5 decreases the value of the current supplied to the light source 30b and increases the value of the current supplied to the light source 30e. The fifth threshold Ath5 is set appropriately depending on, for example, the number and size of the partial patterns formed by the light sources 30 of the high beam lamp unit 3.

[0065] 18, the high beam light distribution pattern PH10 is formed by combining the partial patterns PHc to PHg. The high beam light distribution pattern PH10 is a light distribution pattern in which the partial patterns PHc and PHd that are farther from the horizon H have low illuminance, and the partial patterns PHe to PHg that are closer to the horizon H have high illuminance.

[0066] If the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and it is determined that the bank angle A of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a sixth threshold Ath6 that is greater than the fifth threshold Ath5, as illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the value of the current supplied to light source 30c. The lamp control unit 5 also reduces the value of the current supplied to light source 30g. The sixth threshold Ath6 is set appropriately depending on, for example, the number and size of the partial patterns formed by the light sources 30 of the high beam lamp unit 3.

[0067] As a result, the high beam distribution pattern PH10 is formed by combining the partial patterns PHd to PHg, as shown in Fig. 20. The high beam distribution pattern PH10 is a light distribution pattern in which the illuminance of the partial pattern PHg that is farther away from the horizon H changes to a lower value.

[0068] As described above, the lamp control unit 5 changes the light intensity of the light sources 30a-30g of the high beam lamp unit 3 according to the bank angle of the vehicle body. As a result, the total current supplied to the light sources 30a-30g changes according to the bank angle of the vehicle body. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 17, 19, and 21, the total current supplied to the light sources 30a-30g decreases as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases. Therefore, power consumption of the high beam lamp unit 3 can be reduced when the motorcycle 100 illustrated in FIG. 15 is traveling with the body perpendicular to the road surface. On the other hand, forward visibility can be ensured when the vehicle body is banked by increasing the light intensity of the light sources that form a partial pattern that contributes to long-distance visibility (e.g., a partial pattern formed near the horizon H) according to the bank angle of the vehicle body.

[0069] Furthermore, when the vehicle body is banked, the lamp control unit 5 reduces the light intensity of the light sources 30a to 30g that are on the opposite side of the banking direction and increases the light intensity of the light sources on the same side as the banking direction. This reduces the light intensity of the light sources that form partial patterns away from the horizon H and increases the light intensity of the light sources that form partial patterns that are formed near the horizon H, thereby reducing the power consumption of the high beam lamp unit 3 and ensuring forward visibility when the vehicle is banked.

[0070] 20 and 21, if the bank angle increases and the partial pattern PHg formed by the light sources 30g on the same side as the banking direction is formed downward away from the horizontal line H, the amount of light from the light sources 30g forming the partial pattern PHg is reduced, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the high beam lamp unit 3.

[0071] In addition to the bank angle of the vehicle body, when an object is detected in front of the vehicle, the lamp control unit 5 may change the light intensity of the light sources 30a to 30g of the high beam lighting unit 3 so that a dark area is formed in the area of ​​the high beam distribution pattern PH10 corresponding to the object.

[0072] For example, when the lamp control unit 5 determines that an oncoming vehicle CV is present in the area ahead of the vehicle based on the bank angle information of the vehicle body and environmental information outside the vehicle, it dims or extinguishes the light sources 30e and 30f among the light sources 30a to 30g of the high beam lighting unit 3 that form partial patterns PHe and PHf that include the area corresponding to the oncoming vehicle CV in the high beam distribution pattern PH10, as illustrated in Figure 22.

[0073] According to this configuration, a dark portion is formed in the region of the high beam light distribution pattern PH10 facing the oncoming vehicle CV, thereby reducing the glare to the oncoming vehicle CV.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the high beam lamp unit 3 includes seven light sources, but the number of light sources may be increased or decreased.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the oncoming vehicle CV is described as an example of an object, but the object may also include a pedestrian or a vehicle ahead.

[0076] Second Embodiment Next, a headlamp 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 23, the headlamp 10 according to the second embodiment includes a lamp control unit 15. A low beam lamp unit 2, a high beam lamp unit 3, and a cornering lamp 4 are connected to the lamp control unit 15. The lamp control unit 15 controls the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4. The lamp control unit 15 is an example of a control unit.

[0077] A bank angle sensor 6 and a vehicle speed sensor 17 are electrically connected to the lamp control unit 15. The bank angle sensor 6 detects the tilt state of the motorcycle 100. Specifically, the bank angle sensor 6 is a sensor capable of detecting the bank angle of the body of the motorcycle 100. The bank angle sensor 6 is configured by, for example, a gyro sensor. The vehicle speed sensor 17 detects the speed of the motorcycle 100.

[0078] Information about the bank angle of the vehicle body is transmitted from the bank angle sensor 6 to the lamp control unit 15. Information about the vehicle speed is transmitted from a vehicle speed sensor 17 to the lamp control unit 15. The lamp control unit 15 adjusts the side light distribution pattern PC by changing the light intensity of the light source 40 of the cornering lamp 4 based on the information about the bank angle of the vehicle body and the information about the vehicle speed.

[0079] A method for adjusting the side light distribution pattern PC by the lamp control unit 15 will be described below with reference to Figs. 24 to 32. Note that the following describes the control of the right cornering lamp 4R when traveling around a right-facing corner. The control of the left cornering lamp 4L when traveling around a left-facing corner is the same as the control of the right cornering lamp 4R except that the left and right directions are reversed, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] For example, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right while traveling around a right-facing corner, the lamp control unit 15 changes the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R in relation to the bank angle of the body in different ways depending on the vehicle speed.

[0081] 24, the lamp control unit 15 determines whether the bank angle A of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Ath11 (STEP 1). If it is determined that the bank angle A of the vehicle body is less than the first threshold value Ath11 (NO in STEP 1), the process returns to STEP 1. The first threshold value Ath11 can be set appropriately based on, for example, the minimum bank angle at which the body of the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be leaned in order to travel around a corner on a road.

[0082] If it is determined that the bank angle A of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Ath11 (YES in STEP 1), the lamp control unit 15 determines whether the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than a threshold value Vth (STEP 2). The threshold value Vth can be set appropriately based on, for example, the vehicle speed when the motorcycle 100 is assumed to be traveling around a gentle curve.

[0083] When it is determined that the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than the threshold value Vth (YES in STEP 2), the lamp control unit 15 controls the right cornering lamp 4R so that the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R changes in a first manner according to the bank angle of the vehicle body (STEP 3).

[0084] 25 shows the relationship between the current values ​​supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 and the bank angle of the vehicle body when the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 change in a first manner. As shown in FIG. 25, for example, the lamp control unit 15 adjusts the rightward light distribution pattern PCR so that, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 decrease in order from the light source that forms the lower region of the rightward light distribution pattern PCR.

[0085] Specifically, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right (i.e., when the bank angle A of the body is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Ath11), the lamp control unit 15 supplies current to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R.

[0086] As a result, light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 are turned on, and as illustrated in Figure 26, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR formed on the road surface R is a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR1 formed by light source 40R1, partial pattern PCR2 formed by light source 40R2, and partial pattern PCR3 formed by light source 40R3.

[0087] If the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a second threshold value Ath12 that is greater than the first threshold value Ath11, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R1 that forms the partial pattern PCR1 that constitutes the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR. The second threshold value Ath12 can be set appropriately based on, for example, a bank angle at which the lower region of the right light distribution pattern PCR is not expected to contribute to long-distance visibility.

[0088] As a result, the amount of light from light source 40R1 decreases, and as illustrated in Figure 27, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR2, partial pattern PCR3, and partial pattern PCR1, which has an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR2 and partial pattern PCR3.

[0089] If the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a third threshold value Ath13 that is greater than the second threshold value Ath12, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2 that forms the partial pattern PCR2 located above the partial pattern PCR1. The lamp control unit 15 also reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R1 to be less than the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2. The third threshold value Ath13 is set appropriately depending on, for example, the number and size of the partial patterns formed by the light sources 40 of the cornering lamp 4.

[0090] As a result, the light intensity of the light source 40R1 and the light intensity of the light source 40R2 are reduced, and as illustrated in Figure 28, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR3, partial pattern PCR2 having an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR3, and partial pattern PCR1 having an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR2.

[0091] Returning to Figure 24, if it is determined in STEP 2 that the vehicle speed V is less than the threshold value Vth (NO in STEP 2), the lamp control unit 15 controls the right cornering lamp 4R so that the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R changes in a second manner different from the first manner depending on the bank angle of the vehicle body (STEP 4).

[0092] 29 shows the relationship between the current values ​​supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 and the bank angle of the vehicle body when the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 change in a second manner. As shown in FIG. 29, for example, the lamp control unit 15 adjusts the rightward light-distribution pattern PCR so that, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 decrease in order, starting from the light source that forms the upper region of the rightward light-distribution pattern PCR.

[0093] Specifically, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right (i.e., when the bank angle A of the body is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Ath11), the lamp control unit 15 supplies current to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R. As a result, the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 are turned on, and as illustrated in Fig. 30, the rightward light distribution pattern PCR formed on the road surface R is a light distribution pattern that is a combination of a partial pattern PCR1 formed by the light source 40R1, a partial pattern PCR2 formed by the light source 40R2, and a partial pattern PCR3 formed by the light source 40R3.

[0094] If the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a fourth threshold Ath14 that is greater than the first threshold Ath11, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R3 that forms the partial pattern PCR3 that constitutes the upper region of the right light distribution pattern PCR. The fourth threshold Ath14 can be set appropriately based on, for example, a bank angle at which the upper region of the right light distribution pattern PCR is not expected to contribute to near visibility.

[0095] As a result, the amount of light from light source 40R3 decreases, and as illustrated in Figure 31, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR1, partial pattern PCR2, and partial pattern PCR3, which has an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR1 and partial pattern PCR2.

[0096] If the vehicle body is further tilted to the right and the bank angle A of the vehicle body is determined to be equal to or greater than a fifth threshold Ath15 that is greater than the fourth threshold Ath14, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2 that forms the partial pattern PCR2 located below the partial pattern PCR3. The lamp control unit 15 also reduces the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R3 to be less than the amount of current supplied to the light source 40R2. The fifth threshold Ath15 is set appropriately depending on, for example, the number and size of the partial patterns formed by the light sources 40 of the cornering lamp 4.

[0097] As a result, the light intensity of light source 40R3 and the light intensity of light source 40R2 decrease, and as illustrated in Figure 32, the right-hand light distribution pattern PCR becomes a light distribution pattern that is a combination of partial pattern PCR1, partial pattern PCR2 which has an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR1, and partial pattern PCR3 which has an illuminance lower than that of partial pattern PCR2.

[0098] With the above-described configuration, the lamp control unit 15 changes the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 of the right cornering lamp 4R in accordance with the bank angle and vehicle speed of the motorcycle 100. This reduces the total current supplied to the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 compared to a configuration in which the total current does not change in accordance with the bank angle and vehicle speed of the motorcycle 100. This reduces the power consumption of the right cornering lamp 4R.

[0099] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of forward visibility, it is preferable to change the range of light irradiation depending on the curve condition of the corner being traveled. For example, when traveling around a sharp curve, light is irradiated onto the road surface near the vehicle body to ensure close-up visibility. For example, when traveling around a gentle curve, light is irradiated into the distance to ensure long-distance visibility. Since the light intensity of light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 is changed depending on the estimated speed of the vehicle traveling around a corner with a specified curve condition, it is possible to irradiate light onto a desired range depending on the curve condition of the corner being traveled. Therefore, forward visibility is improved when the vehicle body is banked.

[0100] Furthermore, the lamp control unit 15 varies the change in light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 relative to the bank angle of the vehicle body depending on the vehicle speed. For example, the lamp control unit 15 varies the change in light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 relative to the speed of the vehicle assumed to be traveling around a gentle curve (e.g., high speed) (first mode) from the change in light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 relative to the speed of the vehicle assumed to be traveling around a sharp curve (e.g., low speed) (second mode). This makes it possible to irradiate light to a desired range depending on the curve state of the corner being traveled, improving forward visibility.

[0101] For example, when the lamp control unit 15 determines that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a threshold, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the light intensity of the light sources 40 that form the lower region of the side light distribution pattern PC as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases. That is, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the light intensity of the light sources that irradiate the road surface near the vehicle body, which does not contribute to long-distance visibility. On the other hand, the lamp control unit 15 does not reduce the light intensity of the light sources that irradiate distant areas, which contribute to long-distance visibility. As a result, for example, when traveling around a gentle curve while maintaining a high vehicle speed, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the right cornering lamp 4R while maintaining long-distance visibility.

[0102] Alternatively, when the lamp control unit 15 determines that the vehicle speed is below the threshold, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the light intensity of the light sources 40, starting from the light source 40 that forms the upper region of the side light distribution pattern PC, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases. That is, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, the light intensity of the light sources 40 that irradiate light to distant areas that do not contribute to near-distance visibility is reduced. On the other hand, the light intensity of the light sources that irradiate light to the road surface near the vehicle body that contributes to near-distance visibility is not reduced. As a result, for example, when the vehicle slows down to travel around a sharp curve, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the right cornering lamp 4R while ensuring near-distance visibility.

[0103] 25 and 29, the lamp control unit 15 reduces the light intensity of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 so that the light intensity of each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 decreases as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases. By dimming the light intensity of each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body, it is possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable. The light intensity of each of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 may be dimmed stepwise or continuously, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 29.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right (i.e., when the bank angle A of the body is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Ath11), all of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3 are turned on. However, the motorcycle 100 may be configured so that only some of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, 40R3 are turned on when the body of the motorcycle 100 is tilted to the right.

[0105] In this embodiment, the area illuminated by the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 is not changed depending on the vehicle speed, but the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 are changed so that the illuminance of the right light distribution pattern PCR varies depending on the vehicle speed. However, the lamp control unit 15 may change the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 so that light is illuminated to different areas in front of the vehicle depending on the vehicle speed. For example, the lamp control unit 15 may turn off the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 rather than dimming them depending on the bank angle of the vehicle body. In this case, the power consumption of the right cornering lamp 4R can be further reduced.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the lamp control unit 15 changes the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in two different ways in response to the comparison between the vehicle speed V and the threshold value Vth. However, for example, the lamp control unit 15 may change the light intensities of the light sources 40R1, 40R2, and 40R3 in three or more different ways by comparing the vehicle speed V with multiple threshold values ​​Vth.

[0107] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of the present embodiments. The present embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the low beam lamp unit 2, the high beam lamp unit 3, and the cornering lamp 4 may be integrated to form a single integrated unit. The headlamp 1, 10 may include, for example, an integrated unit provided on the left side of the vehicle body and an integrated unit provided on the right side of the vehicle body. These two integrated units may be controlled by a single lamp control unit 5, 15. Alternatively, the headlamp 1, 10 may include two lamp control units 5, 15, and each integrated unit may be controlled by a corresponding lamp control unit 5, 15.

[0109] In the above embodiment, a pair of cornering lamps 4 (4R, 4L) are provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, but this configuration is not limited to this. Also, although the cornering lamp 4 has three light sources on each side, the number of light sources may be increased or decreased.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the bank angle of the vehicle body is detected by the bank angle sensor 6. However, the bank angle of the vehicle body may also be calculated based on an image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle body, for example.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the motorcycle 100 is given as an example of a vehicle that travels around corners by leaning the body in the direction of the turn. However, the number of wheels of the vehicle is not limited as long as the vehicle can travel around corners by leaning the body in the direction of the turn, like the motorcycle 100. For example, the vehicle may also include a three-wheeled motor vehicle, a four-wheeled motor vehicle, and the like.

[0112] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-035683 filed on March 5, 2021 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-035684 filed on March 5, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that travels around a corner by tilting the vehicle body in the direction of the turn, a high beam light source that forms a high beam light distribution pattern; a side light source that forms a side light distribution pattern on a side of the high beam light distribution pattern when the vehicle body is banking; a control unit that controls the high beam light source and the side light source; It is equipped with the control unit changes the light intensity of the side light source in accordance with a bank angle of the vehicle body, When an object outside the vehicle is detected, the control unit changes the light intensity of the side light source so as to form a dark area in the side light distribution pattern in an area corresponding to the object.

2. the side light distribution pattern includes a plurality of partial patterns formed adjacent to each other in the up-down direction, the side light source has a plurality of light emitting elements that form the plurality of partial patterns; 2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reduces the light intensity of the plurality of light-emitting elements in order from a light-emitting element forming a lower region in the side light distribution pattern as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases.

3. 3. The vehicular lamp according to claim 2, wherein, when an object outside the vehicle is detected, the control unit turns off light-emitting elements among the plurality of light-emitting elements that form an area in the lateral light distribution pattern corresponding to the object.

4. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the light intensity of the high beam light source in accordance with a bank angle of the vehicle body.

5. The high beam light source includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in parallel in the left-right direction, the high beam distribution pattern is composed of a plurality of regions formed in parallel along a horizontal direction by light from the plurality of light-emitting elements, 5. The vehicular lamp according to claim 4, wherein, when the vehicle body is banked, the control unit reduces the light intensity of the light-emitting elements of the plurality of light-emitting elements that are on the opposite side to the banking direction and increases the light intensity of the light-emitting elements that are on the same side as the banking direction.

6. 6. The vehicular lamp according to claim 4, wherein, when an object outside the vehicle is detected, the control unit changes the light intensity of the high beam light source so as to form a dark area in a region of the high beam light distribution pattern corresponding to the object.

7. A vehicle lamp provided on a vehicle that travels around a corner by tilting the vehicle body in the direction of the turn, a side light source that forms a side light distribution pattern on a side of the high beam light distribution pattern when the vehicle body is banked; a control unit that changes the light intensity of the side light source in accordance with the bank angle of the vehicle body and the speed of the vehicle, the side light distribution pattern includes a plurality of partial patterns formed adjacent to each other in the up-down direction, the side light source has a plurality of light emitting elements that form the plurality of partial patterns; when it is determined that the speed of the vehicle is less than a threshold value, the control unit reduces the light intensity of the plurality of light-emitting elements in order from the light-emitting element that forms an upper region in the side light distribution pattern as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases, When the control unit determines that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a threshold, the vehicle lamp reduces the amount of light from the plurality of light-emitting elements in order, starting with the light-emitting elements that form a lower region within the lateral light distribution pattern, as the bank angle of the vehicle body increases.

8. 8. The vehicular lamp according to claim 7, wherein the control unit changes the light intensity of the side light source so that light is irradiated onto different areas outside the vehicle depending on the speed of the vehicle when the vehicle body is banked.

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