Vehicle headlights

Abstract

To provide a headlamp for a vehicle, which can improve visibility and suppress dazzling of an occupant of another vehicle.SOLUTION: A headlamp for the vehicle comprises a lamp unit that includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix to be able to individually change quantities of emitted light and emits light having light distribution patterns corresponding to the quantities of light emitted from the light-emitting elements. A state can be switched between a first state where light of high-beam distribution pattern PH is emitted and a second state where light of a distribution pattern 300 in which a light quantity of a prescribed region 310 in the high-beam distribution pattern PH is reduced is emitted. When the state is switched from the second state to the first state, a light quantity in a partial region 311 of the prescribed region 310 is returned to that in the partial region in the first state, and the partial region 311 spreads over time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known vehicle headlamps that change the light distribution pattern of emitted light based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle. Such vehicle headlamps are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below.

[0003] The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below includes a lamp unit having multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can individually change the amount of light they emit, and a control unit. The illumination spots illuminated by the light from each LED are aligned in the left-right direction. Based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located ahead of the vehicle, the control unit controls the lamp unit to turn off the LEDs that correspond to illumination spots that overlap with the other vehicles. This configuration is said to be able to reduce dazzling to occupants of other vehicles.

[0004] The vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 2 below includes a lighting unit having a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that can individually change the amount of light emitted. This vehicle headlamp is switchable from a first state in which light having a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted to a second state in which light having a light distribution pattern in which a light-blocking area is formed in which light from the lighting unit is not irradiated in the predetermined light distribution pattern. This vehicle headlamp is said to be able to reduce dazzling to occupants of other vehicles located in front of the vehicle by making the light-blocking area overlap with that of the other vehicle.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16773 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-015104 Summary of the Invention

[0006] A vehicle headlamp according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first lamp unit including a plurality of first light emitting portions that can individually change the amount of light emitted, and that emits light from the plurality of first light emitting portions so that first illumination spots illuminated by light from each of the first light emitting portions are aligned at least in the left-right direction; a second lamp unit including a plurality of second light emitting portions that can individually change the amount of light emitted, and that emits light from the plurality of second light emitting portions so that second illumination spots illuminated by light from each of the second light emitting portions are aligned in a matrix; an area determination unit that, when a signal indicating the detection of another vehicle located ahead of the vehicle is input from a detection device, determines a predetermined area that overlaps with a viewing portion through which a driver of the other vehicle can view outside the vehicle; and a control unit, wherein the second illumination spots are smaller than the first illumination spots and at least one of the first illumination spots is aligned in the left-right direction. and when the region determination unit has determined the predetermined region, the control unit controls the first lamp unit so that light is emitted from at least the first lamp unit, and when the region determination unit has determined the predetermined region, the control unit controls the first lamp unit so that the amount of light emitted from the first light-emitting unit corresponding to the first irradiation spot overlapping the predetermined region is reduced or set to zero, and controls the second lamp unit so that the amount of light emitted from the second light-emitting unit corresponding to the second irradiation spot overlapping the predetermined region is reduced or set to zero, and light is emitted from the second light-emitting unit corresponding to the second irradiation spot overlapping the first irradiation spot overlapping the predetermined region but not overlapping the predetermined region.

[0007] Here, examples of the visual confirmation part that the driver of the other vehicle uses to see outside the vehicle include the front windshield if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and side mirrors, rear windshield, an imaging device that captures an image of the area behind the vehicle if the other vehicle is a leading vehicle. Furthermore, "the amount of light becomes zero" includes not only the amount of light being reduced to zero, but also the amount of light being maintained at zero.

[0008] In the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit and irradiated onto the visual area of ​​the other vehicle is reduced or zero, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit and irradiated onto the visual area of ​​the other vehicle is reduced or zero. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect can reduce dazzling of occupants of other vehicles. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, light is irradiated onto a second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of light but does not overlap with the predetermined area. Therefore, light from the second lamp unit can be irradiated onto at least a portion of the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of light that does not overlap with the predetermined area. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect can improve forward visibility compared to a vehicle without a second lamp unit.

[0009] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, when the predetermined area is determined by the area determination unit, the control unit may control the second lamp unit so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting unit corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot that overlaps with the predetermined area but does not overlap with the predetermined area is increased compared to when the predetermined area is not determined by the area determination unit.

[0010] By adopting such a configuration, the amount of light from the second lamp unit that is irradiated onto at least a portion of the area of ​​the first illumination spot that does not overlap with the specified area, where the amount of light irradiated has been reduced, can be increased compared to when the amount of light described above is not increased, thereby further improving forward visibility.

[0011] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, at least one of the first illumination spots overlaps with at least two of the second illumination spots, and when the predetermined area is determined by the area determination unit, the control unit may control the second lamp unit so that, among the second illumination spots that overlap with the first illumination spot that overlaps with the predetermined area but do not overlap with the predetermined area, the second light emitting section corresponding to the second illumination spot that is closer to the predetermined area emits a greater amount of light.

[0012] For example, when a portion of a first illumination spot with a reduced amount of light irradiated thereto overlaps with a portion of another first illumination spot adjacent to the first illumination spot, the overlapping region of the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of light irradiated thereto overlaps with the other first illumination spot, and light from the first light emitting section corresponding to the other first illumination spot is irradiated. Here, in the illumination spot irradiated with light, the intensity of light irradiated tends to decrease from the center toward the outer edge. Therefore, the intensity of light from the first light emitting section corresponding to the other first illumination spot irradiated with the overlapping region tends to increase as the second illumination spot approaches the predetermined region. In this vehicle headlamp, the intensity of light irradiated from the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot with a reduced amount of light irradiated thereto but does not overlap with the predetermined region increases as the second illumination spot approaches the predetermined region. Therefore, for example, when a second irradiation spot that overlaps with a first irradiation spot having a reduced amount of light emitted but does not overlap with a specified area overlaps with the overlap area, the light intensity in the overlap area can be made uniform, thereby preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the overlap area.

[0013] Alternatively, when the specified area is determined by the area determination section, the control section may control the second lighting unit so that the amount of light emitted from the second light emitting section corresponding to the second illumination spot that overlaps with the first illumination spot that overlaps with the specified area but does not overlap with the specified area does not change from the amount of light when the specified area is not determined by the area determination section.

[0014] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to simplify the control of the second lamp unit by the control section compared to the case where the amount of light changes as described above.

[0015] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, when the specified area is not determined by the area determination unit, the control unit may control the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit.

[0016] With this configuration, when the region determination unit does not determine a predetermined region, a light distribution pattern is formed by light including light emitted from the first lamp unit and light emitted from the second lamp unit. As described above, at least one first illumination spot overlaps at least one second illumination spot, so the region illuminated by the light emitted from the first lamp unit and the region illuminated by the light emitted from the second lamp unit can be made to overlap with each other. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp of the first aspect, the degree of freedom of light intensity distribution in the formed light distribution pattern can be improved compared to when light from the second lamp unit is not emitted in the above case.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle headlamp comprising a lamp unit having a plurality of light-emitting sections arranged in a matrix, each capable of individually changing the amount of light emitted, and emitting light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting sections, and is switchable between a first state in which light is emitted in a predetermined light distribution pattern and a second state in which light is emitted in a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined area of ​​the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced, and is characterized in that when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in a portion of the predetermined area is restored to the amount of light in that portion in the first state, and that the portion of the area expands over time.

[0018] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when the predetermined area overlaps with a viewing area through which a driver of another vehicle sees outside the vehicle, the vehicle headlamp switches from the first state to the second state, thereby reducing the dazzle of the occupants of the other vehicle. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, a portion of the predetermined area becomes brighter, and this brightened area expands over time. In other words, the area where the amount of light is reduced becomes smaller over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect can reduce the driver's discomfort caused by the change in brightness in the predetermined area, compared to when the vehicle headlamp switches from the second state to the first state instantaneously.

[0019] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand upward from a lower edge of the predetermined region over time.

[0020] Objects to which the driver should pay attention include, for example, pedestrians and obstacles on the road, as well as other vehicles. When switching from the second state to the first state, this vehicle headlamp can illuminate the side of the predetermined area closest to the road. Therefore, according to this vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, if, for example, the predetermined area overlaps with a pedestrian, obstacle, or the like on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can be made aware of the pedestrian, obstacle, or the like more quickly.

[0021] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand downward from an upper edge of the predetermined region over time.

[0022] The sign is located above the road. In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined area becomes brighter from above. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, for example, if the predetermined area and the sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can more quickly recognize the sign.

[0023] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand over time from one edge of the predetermined region in the left-right direction toward the other edge.

[0024] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the predetermined area is illuminated from one side in the left-right direction. This makes it easier to adjust the light emitted from the multiple light emitting units compared to when the predetermined area is illuminated from both sides in the left-right direction. Furthermore, when the predetermined area overlaps with a sign located on the road shoulder and the aforementioned partial area extends beyond the edge on the side where the sign is located in the left-right direction, the driver can quickly become aware of the sign.

[0025] In this case, the center of the specified area may be shifted to a specified side in the left-right direction from the left-right center of the specified light distribution pattern, and the partial area may expand over time from the edge of the specified area opposite to the specified side in the left-right direction toward the specified side.

[0026] Generally, the lateral center of the light distribution pattern of emitted light tends to be located on a vertical line passing through the lateral center of the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined area can be brightened from the side of both lateral sides of the predetermined area that is closer to the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle. Therefore, with the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is possible to more effectively prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the predetermined area, compared to when the predetermined area is brightened from the side of both lateral sides of the predetermined area that is farther from the vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle.

[0027] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand over time from the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the predetermined region toward the inside of the predetermined region.

[0028] This configuration can brighten the predetermined area faster than when the partial area expands from a part of the outer periphery of the predetermined area. This allows the driver to more quickly recognize signs and other objects that overlap the predetermined area. Furthermore, this configuration can reduce the driver's discomfort compared to when the partial area expands from a part of the outer periphery of the predetermined area, providing the driver with a sense of security.

[0029] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, the partial region may expand over time from an inner side of the predetermined region toward an outer periphery of the predetermined region.

[0030] In this vehicle headlamp, the predetermined area becomes brighter from the inside, and therefore, with the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, it is possible to more effectively prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area, compared to when the predetermined area becomes brighter from the outer periphery.

[0031] In this case, the speed at which the partial region expands downward may be faster than the speed at which the partial region expands upward.

[0032] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the lower side of the predetermined area can be brightened more quickly than the upper side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, if the predetermined area overlaps with a pedestrian, obstacle, or the like on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, for example, the driver can be made aware of the pedestrian, obstacle, or the like more quickly.

[0033] Alternatively, the speed at which the partial region expands upward may be faster than the speed at which the partial region expands downward.

[0034] In the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the upper side of the predetermined area can be brightened more quickly than the lower side. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, if the predetermined area and a sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, for example, the sign can be made visible to the driver more quickly.

[0035] In addition, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in areas other than the certain area in the specified region may be increased over time so that the light intensity decreases the further away from the certain area.

[0036] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect, when switching from the second state to the first state, a portion of the predetermined area becomes brighter, and this brightened area spreads over time. Therefore, by adopting the above-described configuration, the predetermined area can be made darker as it moves away from the bright area, making the boundary between the bright area and the dark area less noticeable. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp of the second aspect can further prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to a first embodiment as a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the first lamp unit shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the light distribution pattern forming section shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating a first irradiation spot irradiated with light from each of the light emitting elements shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the second lamp unit shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing the light distribution pattern forming section shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram illustrating a second irradiation spot irradiated with light from each of the light emitting elements shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the third lamp unit shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing the light source unit shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined region determined by a region determination unit. [Figure 14] 14 is an enlarged view of a predetermined area and its vicinity in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern according to the predetermined area shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a second lamp unit according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to a third embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of a control unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle is detected as another vehicle by the detection device. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes depending on another vehicle in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes depending on another vehicle in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes depending on another vehicle in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes depending on another vehicle in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of how a light distribution pattern changes depending on another vehicle in the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit thereof. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of each component may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding.

[0039] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 includes a vehicle headlamp 1, a detection device 110, and a light switch 120.

[0040] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment is a headlamp for an automobile. The vehicle headlamp 1 mainly comprises a pair of left and right lamp units 5, a control unit CO, a determination unit 50, a region determination unit 55, and a pair of power supply circuits 60. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "right" means the right side from the perspective of the driver of the vehicle 100, which is the host vehicle, and "left" means the left side from the perspective of the driver of the vehicle 100, which is the host vehicle.

[0041] In this embodiment, the pair of lamp units 5 have shapes that are generally symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle 100, and emit light in a changeable light distribution pattern toward the front of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the configuration of one lamp unit 5 is the same as the configuration of the other lamp unit 5, except that the shapes are generally symmetrical. Therefore, hereinafter, only one lamp unit 5 will be described, and a description of the other lamp unit 5 will be omitted.

[0042] The lamp section 5 of this embodiment includes a first lamp unit 10, a second lamp unit 20, and a third lamp unit 30. These lamp units 10, 20, and 30 are arranged side by side, with the second lamp unit 20 located at the center of the vehicle 100, the third lamp unit 30 located at the outermost side of the vehicle 100, and the first lamp unit 10 being located between the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a side view that schematically shows the first lamp unit 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the first lamp unit 10 mainly comprises a light distribution pattern forming section 12, a projection lens 15, and a housing 16. In Fig. 2, the housing 16 is shown in vertical cross section.

[0044] The housing 16 mainly comprises a lamp housing 17, a front cover 18, and a back cover 19. The front of the lamp housing 17 is open, and the front cover 18 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to close the opening. In addition, a smaller opening is formed in the rear of the lamp housing 17 than in the front, and the back cover 19 is fixed to the lamp housing 17 so as to close the opening.

[0045] The space formed by the lamp housing 17, the front cover 18 that covers the front opening of the lamp housing 17, and the back cover 19 that covers the rear opening of the lamp housing 17 is the lamp chamber 10R, and the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 and the projection lens 15 are housed within this lamp chamber 10R.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically illustrating the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 of this embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h serving as a first light-emitting unit that emits light, and a circuit board 14 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h are mounted. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h are arranged in a line in the left-right direction and emit light forward. The plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h are capable of individually changing the amount of light they emit. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 13a-13h are LEDs whose light-emitting surfaces are generally rectangular and elongated in the vertical direction, and the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is a so-called LED array, with eight LEDs arranged in the array. The type and number of light-emitting elements are not particularly limited.

[0047] Such light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting light emitting elements 13a-13h that will emit light. Furthermore, light distribution pattern forming unit 12 can adjust the light intensity distribution in the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each of light emitting elements 13a-13h. In other words, it can be understood that light distribution pattern forming unit 12 forms a predetermined light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the multiple light emitting elements 13a-13h.

[0048] The projection lens 15 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 15 is disposed forward of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 is incident on the projection lens 15, and the divergence angle of this light is adjusted by the projection lens 15. The projection lens 15 is a lens whose entrance and exit surfaces are formed in a convex shape. The optical axis of the projection lens 15 passes between the light-emitting element 13d and the light-emitting element 13e in the light distribution pattern forming unit 12, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 15 is located on or near a plane including the light exit surface of the light-emitting element 13d. The light whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the projection lens 15 is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 through the front cover 18 toward the front of the vehicle 100.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating first illumination spots S1a-S1h illuminated by light from the light-emitting elements 13a-13h shown in FIG. 3. The first illumination spots S1a-S1h shown in FIG. 4 are areas illuminated by light from the light-emitting elements 13a-13h on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100. In FIG. 4, S denotes the horizontal line, and V denotes a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction. As described above, the light-emitting elements 13a-13h are arranged in a line in the lateral direction, and therefore the first illumination spots S1a-S1h are aligned in a line in the lateral direction. Therefore, it can be understood that the first lamp unit 10 emits light from the light-emitting elements 13a-13h such that the first illumination spots S1a-S1h illuminated by light from the light-emitting elements 13a-13h are aligned in the lateral direction. The first illumination spot S1a corresponds to the light-emitting element 13a, and when light is emitted from the light-emitting element 13a, the light is illuminated in the first illumination spot S1a. Furthermore, the first irradiation spot S1b corresponds to the light-emitting element 13b, the first irradiation spot S1c corresponds to the light-emitting element 13c, the first irradiation spot S1d corresponds to the light-emitting element 13d, the first irradiation spot S1e corresponds to the light-emitting element 13e, the first irradiation spot S1f corresponds to the light-emitting element 13f, the first irradiation spot S1g corresponds to the light-emitting element 13g, and the first irradiation spot S1h corresponds to the light-emitting element 13h.

[0050] These first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are generally the same size and have a rectangular shape that is elongated in the vertical direction. Adjacent first irradiation spots partially overlap each other. For example, a portion of the first irradiation spot S1a and a portion of the first irradiation spot S1b overlap each other, and another portion of the first irradiation spot S1b and a portion of the first irradiation spot S1c overlap each other. These first irradiation spots S1a to S1h overlap with the horizontal line S, and the two first irradiation spots S1d and S1e overlap with the vertical line V. In other words, the positions of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h are adjusted so that these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are arranged in this manner. Adjacent first irradiation spots may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart with a gap between them. However, it is preferable that these first irradiation spots S1a to S1h are lined up without any gaps in the horizontal direction. The shape of the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h is not particularly limited.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a side view that schematically shows the second lamp unit 20 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the second lamp unit 20 mainly comprises a light distribution pattern forming section 22, a projection lens 25, and a housing 26. In Fig. 5, the housing 26 is shown in vertical cross section. The housing 26 has a similar configuration to the housing 16 of the first lamp unit 10, and mainly comprises a lamp housing 27, a front cover 28, and a back cover 29. The light distribution pattern forming section 22 and the projection lens 25 are housed in a lamp chamber 20R formed by the housing 26.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a front view schematically illustrating the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 of this embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 serving as a second light-emitting portion that emits light, and a circuit board 24 on which the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 are mounted. The plurality of light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix to form rows in the vertical and horizontal directions, and emit light forward. These light-emitting elements 23 are smaller than the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h in the first lamp unit 10, and the amount of light they emit can be individually adjusted. In this embodiment, the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 includes 32 light-emitting element groups, each consisting of 96 light-emitting elements 23 arranged in the horizontal direction, and these light-emitting element groups are arranged in the vertical direction. These light-emitting elements 23 are micro LEDs, and the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 is a so-called micro LED array. Note that the number of light-emitting elements 23 in each light-emitting element group and the number of light-emitting element groups are not particularly limited.

[0053] Such light distribution pattern forming unit 22 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern by selecting light-emitting elements 23 that emit light. Furthermore, light distribution pattern forming unit 22 can adjust the light intensity distribution in the predetermined light distribution pattern by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23. In other words, it can be understood that light distribution pattern forming unit 22 forms a predetermined light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 23.

[0054] The projection lens 25, like the projection lens 15, is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of incident light. The projection lens 25 is disposed forward of the light distribution pattern forming portion 22, and light emitted from the light distribution pattern forming portion 22 is incident on the projection lens 25, and the divergence angle of this light is adjusted by the projection lens 25. The projection lens 25 is a lens whose entrance surface and exit surface are formed in a convex shape, and the rear focal point of the projection lens 25 is located on or in the vicinity of the light exit surface of any one of the light-emitting elements 23 in the light distribution pattern forming portion 22. The light whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the projection lens 25 is emitted from the second lamp unit 20 through the front cover 28 toward the front of the vehicle 100.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the second illumination spots irradiated with light from each of the light-emitting elements 23 shown in FIG. 6. The second illumination spot S2 shown in FIG. 7 is an area irradiated with light from the light-emitting elements 23 on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100. In FIG. 7, S indicates the horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and the first illumination spots S1a to S1h are indicated by dashed lines. Since the light-emitting elements 23 in the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 are arranged in a matrix as described above, the second illumination spots S2 irradiated with light from each of the light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix ahead of the vehicle 100. Therefore, it can be understood that the second lamp unit 20 emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 such that the second illumination spots S2 irradiated with light from each of the light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix. For ease of understanding, the number of second illumination spots S2 is reduced in FIG. 7. Each second illumination spot S2 corresponds to one light-emitting element 23, and the relative position of a specific light-emitting element 23 among the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 and the relative position of a specific second illumination spot S2 among the plurality of second illumination spots S2 corresponding to this specific light-emitting element 23 are inverted vertically and horizontally. For example, the second illumination spot S2 corresponding to the light-emitting element 23 located at the upper right edge from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100 is located at the lower left edge from the viewpoint of the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0056] These second illumination spots S2 are generally of the same size and have a square shape. For ease of understanding, FIG. 7 depicts the second illumination spots S2 as if adjacent second illumination spots S2 are in contact with each other, but in fact, adjacent second illumination spots S2 overlap each other. The area 70 formed by all of these second illumination spots S2 is a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. In other words, this area 70 can be understood as an area where the second lighting unit 20 can emit light. This area 70 overlaps with the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and also with the six first illumination spots S1b to S1g. Each of the six first illumination spots S1b to S1g overlaps with at least one of the second illumination spots S2, and in this embodiment, each overlaps with a plurality of second illumination spots S2. In other words, the orientation of the second lighting unit 20 is adjusted so that the area 70 formed by the second illumination spots S2 is arranged in this manner. Adjacent second irradiation spots S2 may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart with gaps between them. However, it is preferable that the multiple second irradiation spots S2 are arranged in a matrix with no gaps between them. The second irradiation spots S2 may be smaller than the first irradiation spots S1a to S1h, and their shapes are not particularly limited. The multiple second irradiation spots S2 may include second irradiation spots S2 of different sizes and shapes. At least one first irradiation spot among the eight first irradiation spots S1a to S1h may overlap with at least one second irradiation spot S2, and all of the irradiation spots S1a to S1h may overlap with the second irradiation spots S2.

[0057] Fig. 8 is a side view that schematically shows the third lamp unit 30 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the third lamp unit 30 mainly comprises a light source unit 32, a shade 33, a projection lens 35, and a housing 36. Note that in Fig. 8, the housing 36 is shown in vertical cross section. The housing 36 has a similar configuration to the housing 16 of the first lamp unit 10, and mainly comprises a lamp housing 37, a front cover 38, and a back cover 39. The light source unit 32, the shade 33, and the projection lens 35 are housed in a lamp chamber 30R formed by the housing 36.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a front view schematically showing the light source unit 32 shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 9 also shows the shade 33. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the light source unit 32 of this embodiment has a light-emitting element 32a that emits light and a circuit board 32b on which the light-emitting element 32a is mounted. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 32a is an LED whose light-emitting surface is generally rectangular and elongated in the left-right direction, and emits light forward.

[0059] The shade 33 has a light-shielding portion 33a and a fixing portion 33b. In this embodiment, the light-shielding portion 33a and the fixing portion 33b are integrally formed by bending a plate-shaped member. The light-shielding portion 33a extends in the left-right direction in front of the light-emitting element 32a of the light source unit 32, and the fixing portion 33b is connected to its lower end. The fixing portion 33b extends rearward from the lower end of the light-shielding portion 33a, and the end of the fixing portion 33b opposite the light-shielding portion 33a is fixed to the circuit board 32b. The upper edge of the light-shielding portion 33a consists of a first edge 33e1, a second edge 33e2, and a third edge 33e3. The first edge 33e1 extends generally horizontally. The second edge 33e2 extends linearly downward from one end of the first edge 33e1 opposite the first edge 33e1. The third edge 33e3 extends substantially horizontally from the end of the second edge 33e2 opposite to the first edge 33e1 toward the opposite side to the first edge 33e1. The light-shielding portion 33a of the shade 33 blocks part of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a.

[0060] Like the projection lens 15, the projection lens 35 is a lens that adjusts the divergence angle of incident light. In this embodiment, the projection lens 35 is a lens whose entrance and exit surfaces are convex and is disposed forward of the shade 33. The rear focal point of the projection lens 35 is located at or near the upper edge of the light-shielding portion 33a of the shade 33. As described above, a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a is blocked by the light-shielding portion 33a of the shade 33, and another portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 32a enters the projection lens 35, and light with a specific light distribution pattern corresponding to the shape of the light-shielding portion 33a is emitted from the projection lens 35. Note that this specific light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern that is vertically and horizontally inverted from the light distribution pattern when a portion of the light is blocked by the light-shielding portion 33a. In this manner, the light having the specific light distribution pattern emitted from the projection lens 35 is emitted from the third lamp unit 30 through the front cover 38 toward the front of the vehicle 100.

[0061] 1 may be implemented using an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. When an NC device is used as the control unit CO, the control unit CO may or may not use a machine learning device. As will be described later, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30.

[0062] A light switch 120 provided in the vehicle 100 is connected to the control unit CO. The light switch 120 of this embodiment is a switch that selects between emitting a low beam, emitting a high beam, and not emitting light. For example, the light switch 120 outputs a signal indicating the emission of a low beam to the control unit CO when emitting a low beam is selected, and outputs a signal indicating the emission of a high beam to the control unit CO when emitting a high beam is selected. Furthermore, the light switch 120 does not output a signal to the control unit CO when not emitting light is selected.

[0063] The detection device 110 of this embodiment detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100. When detecting other vehicles, the detection device 110 outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the region determination unit 55 via the determination unit 50. The detection device 110 also detects the state of the detected other vehicle and outputs a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the region determination unit 55 via the determination unit 50. The detection device 110 may also output these signals directly to the region determination unit 55. Examples of the state of the other vehicle include the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle, and the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle. The detection device 110 includes, for example, a camera, a detection unit, and the like (not shown). The camera is attached to the front of the vehicle 100 and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle 100 at predetermined time intervals, for example, 1 / 30 second intervals. The captured image captured by the camera includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by light emitted from the pair of lamp units 5. The detection unit detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle 100 from images captured by the camera, and detects the state of the other vehicles.

[0064] For example, if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, a pair of white light spots due to light emitted from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle will appear in the captured image. The detection unit assumes that the pair of white light spots corresponds to light from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle and outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle to the determination unit 50. Note that the detection unit may also output a signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, assuming that the signal indicating that the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle includes the detection of the other vehicle. The detection unit also calculates the distance from the vehicle 100 to the oncoming vehicle based on the distance between the pair of white light spots. The detection unit then outputs to the determination unit 50 a signal indicating the position of the pair of white light spots in the captured image as a signal indicating the position of the oncoming vehicle relative to the vehicle 100, and a signal indicating the calculated distance. Furthermore, if the other vehicle is a leading vehicle, a pair of red light spots due to light emitted from the taillights of the leading vehicle will appear in the captured image. The detection unit, assuming that the pair of red light dots corresponds to light from the taillights of the preceding vehicle, outputs a signal indicating the detection of another vehicle and a signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle to the determination unit 50. Note that the detection unit may output a signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle by assuming that the signal indicating that the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle includes the detection of the other vehicle. The detection unit also calculates the distance from vehicle 100 to the preceding vehicle based on the distance between the pair of red light dots and the like. The detection unit then outputs to the determination unit 50 a signal indicating the position of the pair of red light dots in the captured image as a signal indicating the position of the preceding vehicle relative to vehicle 100, and a signal indicating this calculated distance.

[0065] On the other hand, if the detection unit does not detect another vehicle located in front of the vehicle 100, it does not output a signal to the determination unit 50.

[0066] The detection unit may have the same configuration as the control unit CO, and the camera may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (C-MOS) camera or a charged coupled device (CCD) camera.

[0067] The configuration of the detection device 110, the method of detecting another vehicle by the detection device 110, the method of calculating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle, the method of distinguishing between an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle, and the signal indicating the state of the other vehicle output from the detection device 110 to the determination unit 50 are not particularly limited. For example, the detection device 110 may further include an image processing unit that performs image processing on an image captured by a camera, and the detection unit may detect the other vehicle and the state of the other vehicle from the information image-processed by the image processing unit. The detection device 110 may also further include a millimeter-wave radar, a LIDAR, or the like that can detect an object located ahead of the vehicle 100, and may detect the other vehicle located ahead of the vehicle 100 and the state of the other vehicle based on the image captured by the camera and a signal input from the millimeter-wave radar, the LIDAR, or the like.

[0068] The determination unit 50 determines whether the detected other vehicle satisfies predetermined requirements based on a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the detection device 110 that detects the other vehicle located ahead of the vehicle 100. Examples of predetermined requirements include satisfying at least two of the following: the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance; the headlights of the oncoming vehicle are on; and the taillights of the preceding vehicle are on. In this embodiment, the predetermined requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance, and the predetermined distance is, for example, 100 m. Note that this predetermined distance may be different depending on whether the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle. In this embodiment, when the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirements, the determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the area determination unit 55, the signal indicating information such as a captured image of the other vehicle and the location of the other vehicle in the captured image. Furthermore, when the other vehicle does not satisfy predetermined requirements, or when no signal is input to the determination unit 50 from the detection device 110, the determination unit 50 does not output a signal to the area determination unit 55. Therefore, the determination by the determination unit 50 can be understood as changing the signal to be output by distinguishing between cases according to the signal input from the detection device 110. The configuration of the determination unit 50 may be, for example, the same as that of the control unit CO.

[0069] Based on a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the detection device 110 via the determination unit 50, the region determination unit 55 determines a predetermined region overlapping with a viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle can view the outside of the vehicle, and outputs a signal indicating the predetermined region to the control unit CO. Therefore, this predetermined region is not a predetermined region. However, the region determination unit 55 may select a region from multiple predetermined regions based on the signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50 and determine the selected region as the predetermined region. Examples of viewing areas through which the driver of the other vehicle can view the outside of the vehicle include the front windshield if the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, and side mirrors, rear windshield, and an imaging device capturing an image of the rear of the vehicle if the other vehicle is a leading vehicle. It is preferable that the predetermined region overlaps the entire viewing area of ​​the other vehicle. In this embodiment, the region determination unit 55 determines a rectangular region that includes the entire other vehicle on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 as the predetermined region. A predetermined gap is formed between the outer edge of this predetermined area and the outer edge of the other vehicle. The area determination unit 55 determines such a predetermined area. On the other hand, if a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle is not input, the area determination unit 55 does not output a signal to the control unit CO. In this case, the area determination unit 55 may output a signal indicating that a predetermined area has not been determined to the control unit CO. The area determination unit 55 may have a configuration similar to that of the control unit CO, for example. The area determination unit 55 may also function as the determination unit 50. The shape of the predetermined area is not particularly limited.

[0070] One power supply circuit 60 corresponds to one of the lamp units 5, and the other power supply circuit 60 corresponds to the other lamp unit 5. Each power supply circuit 60 includes a driver, and when a signal is input from the control unit CO, the driver adjusts the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h in the first lamp unit 10, each of the light-emitting elements 23 in the second lamp unit 20, and the light-emitting element 32a in the third lamp unit 30. In this way, the amount of light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h, 23, and 32a is adjusted. The driver of the power supply circuit 60 may adjust the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h, 23, and 32a by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. In this case, the amount of light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h, 23, and 32a is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle.

[0071] Next, the low beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0072] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 form a low beam light distribution pattern.

[0073] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a low beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In Fig. 10, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and the low beam light distribution pattern PL formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. In Fig. 10, an area 70 that can be irradiated with light from the second lamp unit 20 is shown by a dashed line.

[0074] The low beam light distribution pattern PL of this embodiment has cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 at its upper edge. The cutoff line CL1 extends horizontally to the right, which is one side in the left-right direction, from an elbow point EP located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V. The cutoff line CL2 extends diagonally upward from the elbow point EP to the left, which is the other side in the left-right direction, and the end of the cutoff line CL2 opposite to the elbow point EP is located above the horizontal line S. The cutoff line CL3 extends horizontally to the other side in the left-right direction from the end of the cutoff line CL2 opposite to the elbow point EP. In addition, a hot zone HZL, which is the area of ​​highest light intensity in the low beam light distribution pattern PL, is located near the elbow point EP. In countries and regions where vehicles are required to drive on the right side of the road, the low beam light distribution pattern is generally symmetrical to the low beam light distribution pattern PL shown in Figure 10, with the cutoff line CL1 extending horizontally to the left from the elbow point EP and the cutoff line CL2 extending diagonally upward to the right from the elbow point EP.

[0075] The shape of the upper end of the light-shielding portion 33a of the shade 33 of the third lamp unit 30 corresponds to the upper edge of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL, and the outline of the specific light distribution pattern of light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 generally matches the outline of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL. Furthermore, an overlapping area 71 of the low-beam light distribution pattern PL that overlaps with an area 70 that can be irradiated with light from the second lamp unit 20 includes a hot zone HZL, and the overlapping area 71 is irradiated with light from the second lamp unit 20. In other words, light is emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 located within the overlapping area 71, and the overlapping area 71 is irradiated with light from the second lamp unit 20 and light from the third lamp unit 30. The light intensity distribution in this overlapping area 71 is, for example, a distribution in which the intensity decreases with increasing distance from the hot zone HZL. The control unit CO adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 so that the light intensity distribution in the overlapping region 71 becomes such a distribution. By emitting light from the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 in this manner, a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0076] Next, the high beam emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 will be described.

[0077] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10, the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20, and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 form a high beam light distribution pattern.

[0078] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a high beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In Fig. 11, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and a high beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is indicated by a thick line. In Fig. 11, a region 70 onto which the second lamp unit 20 can irradiate light is indicated by a dashed line, along with first illumination spots S1a to S1h. In this embodiment, a hot zone HZH, which is the region with the highest light intensity in the high beam light distribution pattern PH, is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and overlaps with the two first illumination spots S1d and S1e and the region 70.

[0079] In this embodiment, when a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, light is emitted from all of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h in the first lamp unit 10 and all of the light-emitting elements 23 in the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, the first illumination spots S1a-S1h are illuminated with light from the corresponding light-emitting elements 13a-13h, and the region 70 is illuminated with light from the light-emitting elements 23. The third lamp unit 30 emits the same light as when forming a low beam. The light intensity distribution of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the region overlapping the region 70 is, for example, such that the intensity decreases with increasing distance from the hot zone HZH. The controller CO adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 so that the light intensity in the region 70 is distributed in this manner. By emitting light from the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 in this manner, a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0080] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP17.

[0081] (Step SP11) First, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating emission of low beams is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP12. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP13. Therefore, the determination by the control unit CO can be understood as changing the next step by distinguishing between cases depending on the input signal.

[0082] (Step SP12) In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the vehicle headlamp 1 emits a low beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined control signal corresponding to the low beam to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 stops the supply of power to all of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, sets the power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a to a predetermined power, and adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 to a power corresponding to the low beam. As a result, a part of the low beam is emitted from the second lamp unit 20, and another part of the low beam is emitted from the third lamp unit 30, thereby emitting a low beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0083] (Step SP13) In this step, the control unit CO determines whether or not a signal indicating high beam emission is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP14. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP17.

[0084] (Step SP14) In this step, the control unit CO determines whether or not a predetermined region has been determined by the region determination unit 55, based on a signal input from the region determination unit 55. If no signal is input from the region determination unit 55 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP15. On the other hand, if a signal is input from the region determination unit 55 to the control unit CO, the control unit CO advances the control flow to step SP16.

[0085] (Step SP15) In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined control signal corresponding to the high beam to the power supply circuit 60. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h of the light distribution pattern forming unit 12 to a predetermined power, the power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a of the light source unit 32 to a predetermined power, and the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22 to a power corresponding to the high beam. As a result, a part of the high beam is emitted from the first lamp unit 10, another part of the high beam is emitted from the second lamp unit 20, and another part of the high beam is emitted from the third lamp unit 30, thereby emitting a low beam from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11. As mentioned above, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same specific light distribution pattern as the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when a low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1.

[0086] (Step SP16) In this step, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes a light distribution pattern according to the predetermined area determined by the area determination unit 55. Then, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP11.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the predetermined region 80 determined by the region determination unit 55, and is a diagram showing an example of the predetermined region 80 determined when the detection device 110 detects an oncoming vehicle 90 and the determination unit 50 determines that the oncoming vehicle 90 satisfies predetermined requirements. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the predetermined region 80 and its vicinity in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and the predetermined region 80 on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. In FIG. 13, the first illumination spots S1a to S1h are shown by dashed lines, and the region 70 is shown by a broken line. In FIG. 14, the second illumination spots S2 are shown by thin lines. Note that, for ease of understanding, the number of second illumination spots S2 is reduced in FIG. 14. Furthermore, although the plurality of second irradiation spots S2 are illustrated so that adjacent second irradiation spots S2 are in contact with each other, adjacent second irradiation spots S2 overlap each other.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, the predetermined area 80 is rectangular and includes the entire oncoming vehicle 90, with a predetermined gap formed between the outer edge of the predetermined area 80 and the outer edge of the oncoming vehicle 90. Therefore, the predetermined area 80 overlaps with the windshield 91, which serves as a viewing area for the driver of the oncoming vehicle 90 to view the outside of the vehicle. The controller CO controls the first lamp unit 10 in accordance with the positional relationship between the predetermined area 80 and the first illumination spots S1a to S1h. Specifically, the controller CO controls the light-emitting elements 13e, 13f corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined area 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e, 13f is reduced to zero or less than the amount of light emitted when a high beam is emitted. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13a-13d, 13g, and 13h corresponding to the first illumination spots S1a-S1d, S1g, and S1h that do not overlap the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from these light-emitting elements 13a-13d, 13g, and 13h becomes the amount of light when emitting a high beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 so that the amount of light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h becomes such that the amount of light is adjusted, and the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h. In this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e and 13f becomes zero.

[0089] The control unit CO also controls the second lamp unit 20 in accordance with the positional relationship between the predetermined region 80 and the second illumination spot S2. Specifically, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that overlaps the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 is reduced compared to the amount of light emitted when emitting a high beam. The control unit CO also controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 hatched with a plurality of dots in FIG. 14 so that light is emitted from the light-emitting element 23. The hatched second illumination spot S2 overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f that overlap with the predetermined region 80, but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80. The control unit CO also controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that does not overlap with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f that overlap with the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 is the same as the amount of light emitted when emitting a high beam. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 so as to control the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23, and the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23. In this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that overlaps the predetermined area 80 becomes zero, and the amount of light from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second illumination spot S2 becomes the same as the amount of light when emitting a high beam. However, the amount of light from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second illumination spot S2 may be different from the amount of light when emitting a high beam.

[0090] In addition, the control unit CO controls the third lamp unit 30 so that light having a specific light distribution pattern identical to the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when emitting a high beam is emitted, regardless of the specified area 80.

[0091] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light distribution pattern corresponding to the predetermined region 80 shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and a light distribution pattern 200 on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line. As described above, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13a-13d, 13g, and 13h corresponding to the first illumination spots S1a-S1d, S1g, and S1h other than the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, and the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that does not overlap with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f, are the same as the amount of light emitted when emitting a high beam. Furthermore, the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same as the light emitted when emitting a high beam. Therefore, the light distribution pattern 200 is a light distribution pattern in which the light intensity distribution of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is changed in the region overlapping with the first illumination spots S1e and S1f. As described above, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e, 13e corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e, S1f overlapping the predetermined area 80 and the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 overlapping the predetermined area 80 are reduced compared to the amount of light when a high beam is emitted. Therefore, the light distribution pattern 200 includes the predetermined area 80 and has an attenuated area 81 in which the amount of light is reduced compared to when a high beam is emitted, and this attenuated area 81 overlaps with a windshield 91 serving as a visible part of another vehicle 90.

[0092] (Step SP17) In this step, no signal is input from the light switch 120 to the control unit CO. Therefore, the light switch 120 is in a state where non-emission of light is selected. The control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 so that these lamp units 10, 20, and 30 do not emit light. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60 to stop the power supply circuit 60 from supplying power to all of the light-emitting elements 13a to 13h, all of the light-emitting elements 23, and the light-emitting element 32a, thereby preventing light from being emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0093] As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the predetermined area 80 is determined by the area determination unit 55, the light distribution pattern PH of the emitted high beam is changed to the light distribution pattern 200 having the dimming area 81. Note that the control flow of the control unit CO is not particularly limited.

[0094] However, with the vehicle headlamp described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, light is not irradiated onto other vehicles and the surrounding area, so forward visibility tends to decrease.

[0095] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a first lamp unit 10, a second lamp unit 20, a region determination unit 55, and a control unit CO. The first lamp unit 10 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h whose emitted light intensity can be individually adjusted, and emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h so that first illuminated spots S1a-S1h illuminated by the light from the light-emitting elements 13a-13h are aligned in the left-right direction. The second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 whose emitted light intensity can be individually adjusted, and emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 so that second illuminated spots S2 illuminated by the light from the light-emitting elements 23 are aligned in a matrix pattern. When a signal indicating the detection of another vehicle 90 located ahead of the vehicle 100 is input from the detection device 110, the region determination unit 55 determines a predetermined region 80 that overlaps with a viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle 90 can view the area outside the vehicle. The second illumination spot S2 is smaller than the first illumination spots S1a to S1h, and the first illumination spots S1b to S1g overlap with the plurality of second illumination spots S2. When the region determination section 55 does not determine the predetermined region 80, the control section CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 so that light is emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20. When the region determination section 55 determines the predetermined region 80, the control section CO controls the first lamp unit 10 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e, 13f corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e, S1f overlapping the predetermined region 80 is reduced or zero. In this case, the control unit CO controls the second lighting unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that overlaps the specified area 80 decreases or becomes zero, and light is emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that overlaps the first illumination spots S1e, S1f that overlap the specified area 80 but does not overlap the specified area 80.

[0096] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and irradiated onto a visual area of ​​the other vehicle 90 is reduced or zero, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and irradiated onto a visual area of ​​the other vehicle 90 is reduced or zero. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can reduce dazzling of occupants of the other vehicle 90. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, light is irradiated onto the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f with a reduced amount of light but does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Therefore, light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated onto at least a part of the area of ​​the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f with a reduced amount of light that does not overlap with the predetermined area 80. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can improve forward visibility compared to a vehicle not including the second lamp unit 20.

[0097] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the predetermined region 80 is determined by the region determination unit 55, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 corresponding to the second illumination spots S2 that overlap with the first illumination spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined region 80 but do not overlap with the predetermined region 80 does not change from the amount of light when the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination unit 55. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the control of the second lamp unit 20 by the control unit CO can be simplified compared to when the amount of light changes.

[0098] When the predetermined region 80 is determined by the region determination section 55, the control section CO may control the second lamp unit 20 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined region 80 but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 is increased compared to when the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination section 55. In this case, compared to when the amount of light is not increased, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 that is irradiated onto at least a part of the region that does not overlap with the predetermined region 80, of the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that have a reduced amount of irradiated light, can be increased, thereby further improving forward visibility. It is preferable that the amount of light described above be a total amount of light obtained by adding together the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 and the amount of light from the second lamp unit 10 that are irradiated onto the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined area 80 but does not overlap with the predetermined area 80 when the predetermined area 80 is not determined by the area determination unit 55. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable in the area that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined area 80 but does not overlap with the predetermined area 80.

[0099] Furthermore, in the case where at least one first illumination spot overlaps with at least two second illumination spots as in the present embodiment, if the predetermined region 80 is not determined by the region determination section 55, the control section CO may control the second lighting unit 20 so that the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the second illumination spot S2 that overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e, S1f that overlap with the predetermined region 80 but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 and is closer to the predetermined region 80 emits a greater amount of light.

[0100] For example, in the present embodiment, when a portion of a first illumination spot S1f with a reduced amount of light overlaps with a portion of another first illumination spot S1g adjacent to the first illumination spot S1f, as shown in FIG. 14 , an overlapping region SA of the first illumination spot S1f with a reduced amount of light overlapping with the other first illumination spot S1g is irradiated with light from the light-emitting element 13g corresponding to the other first illumination spot S1g. Here, in the illumination spot irradiated with light, the intensity of light irradiated tends to decrease from the center toward the outer edge. Therefore, the intensity of light from the light-emitting element 13g corresponding to the other first illumination spot S1g irradiated into the overlapping region SA tends to increase as the second illumination spot S2 approaches the predetermined region 80. In the above-described vehicle headlamp, the intensity of light irradiated by the second illumination spot S2 that overlaps with the first illumination spots S1e, S1f with a reduced amount of light but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 increases as the second illumination spot S2 approaches the predetermined region 80. Therefore, for example, when a second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with a first irradiation spot S1f having a reduced amount of light emitted but does not overlap with the specified area 80 overlaps with the overlap area SA, the light intensity in the overlap area SA can be made uniform, thereby preventing the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the overlap area SA.

[0101] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when the region determination unit 55 does not determine the predetermined region 80, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 to emit light from them. Therefore, in this case, the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by light including light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and light emitted from the second lamp unit 20. As described above, at least one first illumination spot overlaps at least one second illumination spot. Therefore, the region illuminated by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and the region illuminated by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 can be made to overlap with each other. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the degree of freedom of the light intensity distribution in the high beam light distribution pattern PH to be formed can be improved compared to the case where light from the second lamp unit 20 is not emitted in the above case. Furthermore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 and to reduce the number of light-emitting elements 23, compared to when the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is formed using only the second lamp unit 20. This makes it possible to prevent heat generated by the light-emitting elements 23 from becoming difficult to dissipate, and to prevent the light-emitting elements 23 from overheating.

[0102] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment also includes a determination unit 50 that determines whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement based on information from the detection device 110. The predetermined requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance. When the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirement, the region determination unit 55 determines the predetermined region 80 as described above, and the first lamp unit 10 and the second lamp unit 20 are controlled by the control unit CO as described above. As the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle tends to be reduced. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent changes in the high beam light distribution pattern PH when dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle is unlikely to occur. Note that the region determination unit 55 may determine the predetermined region 80 as described above when a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is input from the detection device 110, regardless of the determination by the determination unit 50. The vehicle headlamp 1 may not include the determination unit 50. In this case, for example, when detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 directly outputs to the area determination unit 55 a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle.

[0103] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

[0104] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment mainly in that the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. Therefore, the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment differs from the operation of the vehicle headlamp 1 of the first embodiment. Note that although the control flowchart of the control unit in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the operation of the control unit CO in steps SP15 and SP16 is different. Therefore, steps SP15 and SP16 will be described, and descriptions of the other steps SP11 to SP14 and SP17 will be omitted.

[0105] (Step SP15) In step SP15 of this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the first lamp unit 10 and the third lamp unit 30 to emit light and the second lamp unit 20 to not emit light, so that a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60, causing the power supply circuit 60 to supply a predetermined amount of power to all light-emitting elements 13a-13h, stop the supply of power to all light-emitting elements 23, and supply a predetermined amount of power to the light-emitting element 32a. The control unit CO then returns the control flow to step SP11. As a result, the first lamp unit 10 emits light similar to that in step SP15 of the first embodiment, the third lamp unit 30 emits light similar to that in step SP15 of the first embodiment, and the second lamp unit 20 does not emit light. As a result, a high-beam light distribution pattern having the same outline as the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 11 is formed. The light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the region 70 in this high beam light distribution pattern differs from the light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the region 70 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG.

[0106] (Step SP16) In step SP16 of this embodiment, for example, when the predetermined region 80 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is formed by the region determination unit 55, the control unit CO controls the multiple light-emitting elements 13a-13h of the first lamp unit 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13e-13f corresponding to the first illumination spots S1e-13f that overlap the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e-13f is reduced below the amount of light emitted when emitting a high beam. Furthermore, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 13a-13d-13g-13h corresponding to the first illumination spots S1a-13d-13g-13h that do not overlap the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13a-13d-13g-13h is equal to the amount of light emitted when emitting a high beam. In this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 13e-13f is set to zero.

[0107] In this embodiment, when a high beam is emitted, light is not emitted from the second lamp unit 20. The control unit CO controls the light-emitting elements 23 corresponding to the second illumination spots S2 that overlap the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 is zero, just as when a high beam is emitted. The control unit CO also controls the light-emitting elements 23 corresponding to the second illumination spots S2 that are hatched in FIG. 14 so that light is emitted from the light-emitting elements 23. The control unit CO also controls the light-emitting elements 23 corresponding to the second illumination spots S2 that do not overlap with the first illumination spots S1e, S1f that overlap the predetermined region 80 so that the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23 is zero, just as when a high beam is emitted. Specifically, the control unit CO outputs a control signal to the power supply circuit 60 so that the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 is adjusted in this way, and the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23. In this embodiment, the control unit CO controls the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second illumination spot S2 so that the amount of light from the light-emitting element 23 corresponding to the hatched second illumination spot S2 is the same as the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 that is irradiated onto the second illumination spot S2 when emitting the high beam.

[0108] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit CO controls the third lamp unit 30 so that light having a specific light distribution pattern identical to the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 when emitting a high beam is emitted, regardless of the specified area 80.

[0109] In this way, by controlling the first lamp unit 10, the second lamp unit 20, and the third lamp unit 30 by the control unit CO, a light distribution pattern is formed that has the same external shape as the light distribution pattern 200 shown in Fig. 15, but in which the amount of light is reduced compared to when a high beam is emitted, and which has a dimming region 81 that overlaps with the windshield 91, which is a visible part of other vehicles 90. Note that the light intensity distribution in this light distribution pattern differs from that of the light distribution pattern 200 shown in Fig. 15.

[0110] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 and irradiated onto a visual portion of the other vehicle 90 is reduced, and the amount of light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and irradiated onto a visual portion of the other vehicle 90 is reduced. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent dazzling of occupants of the other vehicle 90. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, light is irradiated onto the second irradiation spot S2 that overlaps with the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f with the reduced amount of light irradiated but does not overlap with the predetermined region 80. Therefore, light from the second lamp unit 20 can be irradiated onto at least a part of the region that does not overlap with the predetermined region 80 of the first irradiation spots S1e, S1f with the reduced amount of light irradiated. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can improve forward visibility compared to a case where the second lamp unit 20 is not provided.

[0111] Although the first aspect of the present invention has been described using the first and second embodiments as examples, the first aspect of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0112] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the first lamp unit 10 was described as emitting light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 13a-13h so that the first illuminated spots S1a-S1h, onto which light from each of the light-emitting elements 13a-13h is emitted, are aligned in a row in the horizontal direction. However, the first lamp unit may emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the first illuminated spots are aligned at least in the horizontal direction. For example, the first lamp unit may emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the first illuminated spots are aligned vertically and horizontally, or may emit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the first illuminated spots are aligned in multiple rows in the horizontal direction. An example of such a first lamp unit configuration is the first embodiment, in which the light distribution pattern forming portion includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix.

[0113] In the first and second embodiments, the second lamp unit 20 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 that can individually change the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting elements 23, and emits light from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 so that second illumination spots illuminated by the light from the respective light-emitting elements 23 are arranged in a matrix. However, the second lamp unit 20 may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 16 .

[0114] Fig. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a second lamp unit according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 16, the second lamp unit 20 of this modified example differs from the first lamp unit 10 of the above embodiment mainly in that it includes a light source 41, a reflector 42, a reflecting device 43, and a light absorbing plate 45 instead of the light distribution pattern forming portion 12.

[0115] The light source 41 is a light emitting element that emits light. In this modification, the light source 41 is disposed so as to emit light forward. An example of the light source 41 is an LED.

[0116] The reflector 42 is configured to reflect light emitted from the light source 41 by a reflecting surface 42r and irradiate the light onto a reflection control surface of a reflecting device 43, which will be described later. In this modified example, the reflector 42 is a curved, plate-like member and is arranged so as to cover the light source 41 from the front side. The surface of the reflector 42 facing the light source 41 is the reflecting surface 42r. This reflecting surface 42r is curved so as to be concave on the side opposite to the light source 41 side, and is configured to focus the light emitted from the light source 41 using, for example, an ellipsoidal curved surface as a base and irradiate the light onto the reflection control surface.

[0117] The reflecting device 43 of this modified example is a so-called DMD (Digital Mirror Device) and has a reflection control surface 43r that reflects incident light. The light reflected by the reflection control surface 43r is configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. The reflecting device 43 is disposed above the light source 41 and behind the reflector 42, with the reflection control surface 43r facing forward. Light emitted from the light source 41 and reflected by the reflector 42 is irradiated onto the reflection control surface 43r. The reflection control surface 43r is composed of the reflective surfaces of a plurality of reflective elements arranged in a matrix. These reflective elements are individually tiltably supported on a substrate. The plurality of reflective elements are individually switchable between a first tilt state in which light from the reflector 42 is reflected toward the projection lens 15 and a second tilt state in which light from the reflector 42 is reflected toward a light absorbing plate 45 (described later). By controlling the tilt state of the reflecting elements, the reflecting device 43 can form a predetermined light distribution pattern with light directed from the reflection control surface 43r toward the projection lens 15. Furthermore, by controlling the tilt state of these reflecting elements over time, the light intensity distribution of the predetermined light distribution pattern can be made to be a desired intensity distribution. In other words, the multiple reflecting elements of the reflecting device 43 are arranged in a matrix so that the amount of light emitted in the direction toward the projection lens 15 can be individually changed, and the reflecting device 43 can be understood to form a predetermined light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the reflecting surfaces of the multiple reflecting elements. Furthermore, the illumination spots illuminated by the light emitted from each reflecting element of the reflecting device 43 in the direction toward the projection lens 15 are arranged in a matrix.

[0118] Light absorbing plate 45 is a plate-like member having light absorption properties and configured to convert most of the incident light into heat. In this modification, light absorbing plate 45 is disposed in front of and above reflecting device 43, and light traveling from reflection control surface 43r toward light absorbing plate 45 is incident on light absorbing plate 45, and most of this light is converted into heat. An example of light absorbing plate 45 is a plate-like member made of metal such as aluminum and having a surface that is black anodized or the like.

[0119] Even if the second lamp unit 20 has such a configuration, it is possible to improve forward visibility while suppressing dazzle for occupants of other vehicles, as in the first and second embodiments. Although not described further, the light distribution pattern forming portion may be, for example, an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) or a diffraction grating that diffracts incident light to emit light with a predetermined light distribution pattern. Also, the first lamp unit 10 may have such a configuration.

[0120] In the first and second embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 including the third lamp unit 30 has been described as an example. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not necessarily have to include the third lamp unit 30. The configuration of the third lamp unit 30 is not particularly limited. The third lamp unit 30 may be, for example, a parabolic lamp or a direct lens lamp, and may be configured such that the light distribution pattern of the emitted light cannot be changed. In the above embodiments, the low beam is formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. However, the low beam may be formed only by the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30.

[0121] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the lighting units 10, 20, and 30 are respectively provided with housings 16, 26, and 36. However, these lighting units 10, 20, and 30 may share a single housing, and other members different from the housings of the respective lighting units 10, 20, and 30 may be housed within the lamp chamber of the single housing.

[0122] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified.

[0123] Fig. 17 is a plan view conceptually showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the vehicle headlamp 1 according to this embodiment differs from the vehicle headlamp 1 according to the first embodiment mainly in that it does not include a region determination unit 55, it includes a memory ME separate from the control unit CO, and each lamp unit 5 does not include the first lamp unit 10.

[0124] When detecting another vehicle, the detection device 110 of this embodiment outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the determination unit 50. Note that the detection device 110 may also output these signals directly to the control unit CO.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the other vehicle satisfies predetermined requirements, the determination unit 50 outputs to the control unit CO, as signals indicating the state of the other vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. The determination unit 50 also stores information indicating this distance and position in a memory ME, which will be described later. Note that this information stored in the memory ME is rewritten each time it is stored. Furthermore, when the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements or when no signal is input to the determination unit 50 from the detection device 110, the determination unit 50 does not output a signal to the control unit CO.

[0126] The memory ME is configured to store information and to be able to read the stored information. The memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), but may include any type of recording medium, such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that "non-transitory" recording media includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media.

[0127] The memory ME stores a table that associates information about the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 with the state of other vehicles detected by the detection device 110. Examples of the information about the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the first lamp unit 10 include information about the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 of the light distribution pattern forming unit 22. Examples of the information about the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 include information about the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 when forming a low-beam light distribution pattern (described below), forming a high-beam light distribution pattern, forming a light distribution pattern according to other vehicles, and changing a light distribution pattern according to other vehicles to a high-beam light distribution pattern. Examples of the state of other vehicles detected by the detection device 110 include the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicles and the position of the other vehicles relative to the vehicle 100. The memory ME also stores information about a predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a of the third lamp unit 30 and a reference value. The reference value is a value that the control unit CO refers to and rewrites in the control of the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30, which will be described later. In this embodiment, this reference value is set to either zero or one, and the initial value is set to zero.

[0128] In this embodiment, when a signal indicating emission of a low beam is input from the light switch 120, the control unit CO refers to information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the low beam light distribution pattern and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23, and supplies the predetermined power to the light-emitting element 32a. Light that becomes a low beam is then emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The low beam light distribution pattern PL in this embodiment is the same as the low beam light distribution pattern PL in the first embodiment.

[0129] In this embodiment, a high beam light distribution pattern is formed by the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 and the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30. When a signal indicating high beam emission is input from the light switch 120, the control unit CO refers to the information stored in the memory ME and outputs a signal to the power supply circuit 60 based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the high beam light distribution pattern and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and supplies the predetermined power to the light-emitting element 32a. Light that becomes a high beam is then emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that in this embodiment, the light emitted from the third lamp unit 30 is the same as the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20 when emitting a low beam.

[0130] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a high-beam light distribution pattern in this embodiment. In FIG. 18, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 100 in the lateral direction, and the high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m ahead of the vehicle 100 is indicated by a thick line. Also in FIG. 18, the area 70 onto which the second lamp unit 20 can irradiate light is indicated by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the outline of the area 70 is a rectangle elongated in the lateral direction, similar to the outline of the area 70 in the first embodiment. However, the area 70 in this embodiment is wider to the right, left, and upward than the area 70 in the first embodiment. That is, the light distribution pattern forming section 22 and the projection lens 25 of the second lamp unit 20 are adjusted to achieve this. The hot zone HZH, which is the area with the highest light intensity in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V and overlaps with the area 70. The high beam light distribution pattern PH is generally symmetrical, and the center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the left-right direction is located on or near the vertical line V. Although not specifically shown, the hot zone HZL in the low beam light distribution pattern PL is included in an overlapping region 71 that overlaps with the region 70 of the low beam light distribution pattern PL, as in the first embodiment.

[0131] In this embodiment, when a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1, light is emitted from all of the light-emitting elements 23 in the second lamp unit 20. Therefore, light from the light-emitting elements 23 is irradiated onto the region 70. The light intensity distribution of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the region overlapping with the region 70 is, for example, a distribution in which the intensity decreases with increasing distance from the hot zone HZH. In other words, the control unit CO adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 and the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting element 23 so that the light intensity in this region 70 has such a distribution. By emitting light from the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 in this manner, a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this embodiment, in response to detection of another vehicle by the detection device 110, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted by the vehicle headlamp 1 is switched between a high beam light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle.

[0132] Next, an operation for switching the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment between a high beam light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern according to another vehicle will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit CO in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP21 to SP24.

[0133] (Step SP21) The light switch 120 selects high beam emission, and a signal indicating high beam emission is input from the light switch 120 to the control unit CO. This state is the start state in Fig. 19. The reference value stored in the memory ME is an initial value of zero.

[0134] In this step, the control unit CO determines whether another vehicle has been detected by the detection device 110 and whether the other vehicle satisfies predetermined requirements, based on a signal input from the determination unit 50. As described above, when the detection device 110 detects another vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle to the control unit CO via the determination unit 50. Furthermore, when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 satisfies the predetermined requirements, the determination unit 50 outputs to the control unit CO, as signals indicating the state of the other vehicle, a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. Therefore, when the control unit CO receives a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50, it determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirements, and proceeds to step SP22. On the other hand, when the control unit CO does not receive a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle from the determination unit 50, it determines that the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements, and proceeds to step SP23. If the detection device 110 does not detect another vehicle, the signal indicating the state of the other vehicle is not input to the determination unit 50, and the signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is not input to the control unit CO. Therefore, in such a case, the control flow also proceeds to step SP13.

[0135] (Step SP22) In this step, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 so that the light distribution pattern of light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 corresponds to the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110. Specifically, the control unit CO refers to a table stored in the memory ME based on a signal indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and a signal indicating the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100. The control unit CO then outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the light distribution pattern corresponding to the information on the status of the other vehicle and a predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so that light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the information on the status of the other vehicle is generated, and supplies a predetermined power to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, light having the corresponding light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Then, the control unit CO stores information on the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 in the memory ME, rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to 1, and proceeds to step SP24. Therefore, it can be understood that when the reference value is 1, the vehicle headlamp 1 is in a state where it is emitting light in a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle, and when the reference value is zero, the vehicle headlamp 1 is in a state where it is not emitting light in a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle.

[0136] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a light distribution pattern of light emitted when a preceding vehicle is detected as another vehicle by detection device 110. In Fig. 20, S indicates a horizontal line, V indicates a vertical line passing through the center of vehicle 100 in the left-right direction, and a light distribution pattern 300 formed on a virtual vertical screen placed 25 m ahead of vehicle 100 is shown by a thick line.

[0137] In this embodiment, the shape of the light distribution pattern 300 is the same as the shape of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18 . However, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in a predetermined region 310 of the light distribution pattern 300 is less than the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 irradiated onto an area corresponding to the predetermined region 310 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and the light intensity in the predetermined region 310 is lower than a predetermined reference intensity. In this embodiment, the light intensity in the predetermined region 310 is generally constant. Note that the predetermined region 310 may be an area where no light is irradiated. In this way, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is reduced compared to when the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle does not satisfy the predetermined requirements. Meanwhile, the light intensity distribution in regions of the light distribution pattern 300 other than the predetermined region 310 is generally the same as the light intensity distribution in regions of the light distribution pattern PH other than the area corresponding to the predetermined region 310. Therefore, areas of the light distribution pattern 300 other than the predetermined area 310 are areas where the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is not reduced, and are brighter than the predetermined area 310. The light distribution pattern 300 is a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is reduced in the predetermined area 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0138] This predetermined area 310 is located within the area 70 that can be irradiated with light from the second lamp unit 20, and overlaps with a viewing area through which the driver of the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 can view the area outside the vehicle. It is preferable that the predetermined area 310 overlaps with the entire viewing area of ​​the other vehicle. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the predetermined area 310 is rectangular and includes the entire other vehicle 90 detected by the detection device 110, and the side mirrors and rear window, which serve as viewing areas, are located within the predetermined area 310.

[0139] Next, step SP23 showing the operation of the control unit CO when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 does not satisfy the predetermined requirements will be described.

[0140] (Step SP23) In this step, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 and the third lamp unit 30 so that a high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Note that the control of the second lamp unit 20 by the control unit CO differs depending on whether the reference value stored in the memory ME is zero or 1. First, a case where the reference value stored in the memory ME is the initial value, zero, will be described.

[0141] The control unit CO references the reference value stored in the memory ME, and if the reference value is zero, references information related to the high-beam light distribution pattern stored in the memory ME. Then, as described above, the control unit CO outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 in the high-beam light distribution pattern and the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. This causes the driver of the power supply circuit 60 to adjust the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so as to generate light that forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and light that forms the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. The control unit CO then advances the control flow to step SP24.

[0142] On the other hand, when the reference value is 1, as described above, this is the case where the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicle. Therefore, this is a state where the vehicle headlamp 1 emits light of the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the other vehicle, even though the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 does not satisfy the predetermined requirements or the other vehicle has not been detected by the detection device 110. An example of such a state is when the other vehicle detected by the detection device 110 becomes undetectable. When the other vehicle is a preceding vehicle, for example, when the preceding vehicle and the vehicle 100 are traveling uphill, the preceding vehicle goes over the top of the uphill slope and the preceding vehicle becomes undetectable by the detection device 110. When the other vehicle is an oncoming vehicle, for example, the oncoming vehicle enters a parking lot and is hidden by a building or the like, and the oncoming vehicle becomes undetectable by the detection device 110.

[0143] As described above, when the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirements, the determination unit 50 stores information indicating the distance from the vehicle 100 to the other vehicle and the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 100 in the memory ME. Therefore, information indicating the state of the other vehicle immediately before the other vehicle ceases to satisfy the predetermined requirements is stored in the memory ME. The control unit CO references the reference value stored in the memory ME, and if the reference value is 1, references the table stored in the memory ME based on the information indicating the state of the other vehicle stored in the memory ME. The control unit CO then outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 when changing the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the information indicating the state of the other vehicle to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH. The control unit CO also outputs to the power supply circuit 60 a signal based on the predetermined power supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the driver of the power supply circuit 60 adjusts the power supplied to each light-emitting element 23 so that the light distribution pattern 300 corresponding to the information regarding the other vehicle changes to the high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and a predetermined power is supplied to the light-emitting element 32a. As a result, the light distribution pattern 300 according to the other vehicle changes to a high-beam light distribution pattern PH, and light that becomes the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. Therefore, if the state in which light of the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted is defined as a first state, and the state in which light of the light distribution pattern 300 according to the other vehicle is emitted is defined as a second state, it can be understood that the vehicle headlamp 1 switches from the second state to the first state. Then, the control unit CO rewrites the reference value stored in the memory ME to zero, and the control flow proceeds to step SP24.

[0144] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to another vehicle in this embodiment, showing an enlarged view of a predetermined region 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300. The state shown in FIG. 21 is, for example, a state in which the vehicle 100 emitting light having the light distribution pattern 300 shown in FIG. 20 and a preceding vehicle are traveling uphill, and the preceding vehicle passes the top of the uphill slope and is no longer detected by the detection device 110. In this embodiment, first, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 21 , the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18 . In other words, the region 311 can be understood as a region where the amount of light has been returned to the first state in which the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1. In this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases upward from the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310. The region 311 that has been returned to the light amount in the first state is a rectangular region extending along the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310. The shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as it is in contact with the lower edge DE. In FIG. 21, the region 311 is hatched to facilitate understanding.

[0145] Next, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in regions of the predetermined region 310 other than the region 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the first state, so that the region 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the first state expands upward. In this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases with increasing distance from the region 311. Therefore, while the region closer to the region 311 remains brighter than the region farther from the region 311, both regions become brighter over time. Then, the region 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the first state begins with the region closest to the region 311, and the region 311 expands. Then, when the entire predetermined region 310 becomes the region 311 where the amount of light has been returned to the first state, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 becomes the high beam light distribution pattern PH.

[0146] It is sufficient that the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the amount in the first state expands upward over time from the lower edge DE of the predetermined area 310. For example, when the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in an area of ​​the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311, the amount of light may increase over the entire area, or may increase over a part of the area.

[0147] Thus, in this step, when the vehicle headlamp 1 is in the second state, the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to that of the first state expands over time, causing the area where the light amount has been reduced to become smaller over time, and when this area where the light amount has been reduced disappears, the vehicle headlamp 1 switches from the second state to the first state.

[0148] (Step SP24) In this step, the control unit CO determines whether a signal indicating emission of a high beam is input from the light switch 120. If this signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO returns the control flow to step SP21. On the other hand, if this signal is not input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO outputs a predetermined signal to the power supply circuit 60 to cause the power supply circuit 60 to stop supplying power to each light-emitting element 23 and to the light-emitting element 32a, thereby preventing light from being emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1 and terminating this control.

[0149] In this manner, in this embodiment, the state of the vehicle headlamp 1 is switched between a state in which a high beam is emitted and a state in which light with a light distribution pattern corresponding to the other vehicle is emitted, depending on whether the other vehicle satisfies predetermined requirements. Note that the control flow of the control unit CO is not limited to the control flow shown in FIG.

[0150] Incidentally, the aforementioned Patent Document 2 describes that the state of the vehicle headlamp is switched from a first state in which light having a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted to a second state in which light having a light distribution pattern in which a light-blocking region is formed in the predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted, but does not describe switching from the second state to the first state. For example, if the state is switched from the second state to the first state instantaneously, the entire light-blocking region is suddenly illuminated with light, which may cause the driver to feel uncomfortable.

[0151] Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment includes a second lamp unit 20. The second lamp unit 20 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 23 arranged in a matrix, each of which can individually change the amount of light emitted. The second lamp unit 20 emits light having a light distribution pattern corresponding to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23. The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment is switchable between a first state in which a high beam, which is a predetermined light distribution pattern, is emitted, and a second state in which a light distribution pattern 300 is emitted in which the amount of light in a predetermined region 310 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined region 310 overlaps with a viewing area through which a driver of another vehicle can view the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can reduce dazzling to occupants of other vehicles by switching from the first state to the second state. Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the first state to the second state, the light intensity in a portion 311 of the predetermined region 310 is returned to the light intensity in that region 311 in the first state, and that region 311 expands over time. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the region 311 in the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter, and this brightened region 311 expands over time. In other words, the region where the light intensity is reduced becomes smaller over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the predetermined region 310, compared to when switching from the second state to the first state instantaneously.

[0152] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, the region 311 expands upward from the lower edge DE of the predetermined region 310 over time. Objects to which the driver should pay attention include, for example, pedestrians and obstacles on the road, as well as other vehicles. When switching from the second state to the first state, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can illuminate the predetermined region 310 from the side closest to the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, for example, if the predetermined region overlaps with a pedestrian, obstacle, or the like on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can be made aware of the pedestrian, obstacle, or the like more quickly.

[0153] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light increases over time in regions other than the region 311 in the predetermined region 310 so that the light intensity decreases the further away from the region 311. As described above, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 in the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter, and this bright region 311 expands over time. Therefore, by using the above configuration, the predetermined region 310 can become darker the further away from the bright region, making the boundary between the bright region and the dark region less noticeable. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can further prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable about the change in brightness in the predetermined region 310.

[0154] The vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment also includes a determination unit 50 that determines whether the other vehicle satisfies a predetermined requirement based on information from the detection device 110. The predetermined requirement is that the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 is less than a predetermined distance. When the determination unit 50 determines that the other vehicle satisfies the predetermined requirement, the control unit CO controls the second lamp unit 20 as described above. As the distance between the other vehicle and the vehicle 100 increases, dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle tends to be reduced. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the high beam light distribution pattern PH from changing when dazzling of the occupants of the other vehicle is unlikely to occur. Note that the control unit CO may control the second lamp unit 20 as described above when a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle is input from the detection device 110, regardless of the determination by the determination unit 50. The vehicle headlamp 1 may not include the determination unit 50. In this case, for example, when the detection device 110 detects another vehicle, it outputs a signal indicating the detection of the other vehicle and a signal indicating the state of the other vehicle directly to the control unit CO, and stores information indicating the state of the other vehicle in the memory ME.

[0155] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the way the amount of light changes in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state. Figure 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 200 changes in response to other vehicles in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined region 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0156] In this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 22 , the amount of light in a region 311, which is a portion of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18 . However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases downward from the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310. Furthermore, the region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is a rectangular region extending along the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as it is in contact with the upper edge UE. Then, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the region of the predetermined region 310 other than the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, so that the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state expands downward. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases with increasing distance from the region 311. Therefore, while the region closer to the region 311 remains brighter than the region farther from the region 311, both regions become brighter over time. Then, the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state begins with the region closest to the region 311, and the region 311 expands. Then, when the entire predetermined region 310 becomes the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, the state switches from the second state to the first state. Note that the region 311 is hatched in FIG. 22 for ease of understanding.

[0157] It is sufficient that the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the amount in the first state expands downward over time from the upper edge UE of the predetermined area 310. For example, when the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in an area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310, the amount of light may increase over the entire area, or may increase over a part of the area.

[0158] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this brightened area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0159] In this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 expands downward from the upper edge UE of the predetermined region 310 over time, so that the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter from the upper side. Here, the sign is located above the road. Therefore, according to the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, for example, if the predetermined region 310 and a sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the sign can be more quickly recognized by the driver.

[0160] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 so that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, similarly to the third embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can further prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0161] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the way the amount of light changes in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state. Figure 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to other vehicles in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined region 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0162] In this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 23 , the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18 . However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the left. Furthermore, the region 311 that has been returned to the light amount in the first state is a rectangular region extending along the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as it is in contact with the right edge RE. Then, the amount of light from the first lamp unit 10 is further increased over time in the region 310 other than the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, so that the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state expands to the left. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases with increasing distance from the region 311. Therefore, while the region closer to the region 311 remains brighter than the region farther from the region 311, both regions become brighter over time. Then, the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state begins with the region closest to the region 311, and the region 311 expands. Then, when the entire predetermined region 310 becomes the region 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, the state switches from the second state to the first state. Note that the region 311 is hatched in FIG. 23 for ease of understanding.

[0163] When the amount of light from the second lighting unit 20 is increased over time in an area other than the area 311 in the specified area 310, the amount of light may increase in the entire area, or in a part of the area.

[0164] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this brightened area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0165] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 so that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, similarly to the third embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can further prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0166] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 expands over time from the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the left, so that the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter from the right side. This makes it easier to adjust the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 and to control the plurality of light-emitting elements 23 by the control unit CO than when the predetermined region 310 becomes brighter from both left and right sides. Note that, from the perspective of simplifying the control of the plurality of light-emitting elements 23, it is sufficient that the region 311 expands over time from one edge of the predetermined region 310 toward the other edge in the left-right direction. For example, the region 311 may expand over time from the left edge LE of the predetermined region 310 toward the right side. Furthermore, in this configuration in which area 311 expands over time from one edge of the specified area 310 in the left-right direction to the other, if the specified area 310 overlaps with a sign located on the shoulder side of the road and area 311 expands from the edge on the side where the sign is located in the left-right direction, the driver can quickly become aware of the sign.

[0167] In this embodiment, the left-right center of the predetermined region 310 is located to the left of the vertical line V. As described above, the left-right center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH is located on or near the vertical line V, and therefore the left-right center of the predetermined region 310 is shifted to the left from the left-right center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH. When switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 expands from the right edge RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the left. Note that, although not illustrated, in the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, if the left-right center of the predetermined region 310 is shifted to the right from the left-right center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH, the region 311 expands from the left edge LE of the predetermined region 310 toward the right when switching from the second state to the first state. For this reason, the center of the predetermined region 310 is shifted to a predetermined side in the left-right direction from the center of the high beam light distribution pattern PH in the left-right direction, and it can be understood that the region 311 expands over time from an edge of the predetermined region 310 opposite the predetermined side in the left-right direction toward the predetermined side. In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, when switching from the second state to the first state, the predetermined region 310 can be brightened from the side on either side of the left or right direction of the predetermined region 310 that is closer to the vertical line V passing through the center of the vehicle 100. For this reason, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can more effectively prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the change in brightness in the predetermined region 310, compared to when the predetermined region 310 is brightened from the side on either side of the left or right direction of the predetermined region 310 that is farther from the vertical line V passing through the center of the vehicle 100.

[0168] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the way the amount of light changes in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state. Figure 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to other vehicles in this embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the predetermined region 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0169] In this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the amount of light in a region 311, which is a portion of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18. However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310, which is made up of the upper, lower, left, and right edges UE, DE, LE, and RE, toward the interior of the predetermined region 310. Furthermore, the region 311 that has been returned to the amount of light in the first state is an annular region extending along the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape of the region 311 is not particularly limited as long as it is in contact with the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Then, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the area of ​​the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, so that the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state expands toward the inside of the predetermined area 310. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases with increasing distance from the area 311. Therefore, while the area closer to the area 311 remains brighter than the area farther from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state begins with the area closest to the area 311, and the area 311 expands. Then, when the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, the state switches from the second state to the first state. Note that the area 311 is hatched in FIG. 24 for ease of understanding.

[0170] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the region 311 expands over time from the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 toward the interior of the predetermined region 310. This allows the predetermined region 310 to be brighter more quickly than when the region 311 expands from a portion of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. This allows the driver to more quickly recognize signs and other objects that overlap the predetermined region 310. Furthermore, this configuration reduces the driver's discomfort and provides the driver with a sense of security compared to when the region 311 expands from a portion of the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Note that it is sufficient that the region 311, whose light intensity has been restored to the first state, expands over time from the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 toward the interior of the predetermined region 310. For example, when the light intensity from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in a region of the predetermined region 310 other than the region 311, the light intensity may increase over the entire region or only a portion of the region.

[0171] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this brightened area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0172] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 so that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, similarly to the third embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can further prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0173] It should be noted that there are no particular limitations on how the region 311 expands. For example, the region 311 may expand from the left and right edges LE, RE of the predetermined region 310 toward the interior of the predetermined region 310, or from the top and bottom edges UE, DE of the predetermined region 310 toward the interior of the predetermined region 310. Even if the region 311 expands in this way, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to changes in brightness of the predetermined region 310, as in the third embodiment.

[0174] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment as a second aspect of the present invention will be described in detail. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again unless otherwise specified. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the way the amount of light changes in the predetermined region 310 when switching from the second state to the first state. Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the light distribution pattern 300 changes in response to other vehicles in this embodiment, showing an enlarged view of the predetermined region 310 and its vicinity in the light distribution pattern 300.

[0175] In this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 25 , the amount of light in a region 311, which is a part of the predetermined region 310, is returned to the amount of light in a region corresponding to the region 311 in the high beam light distribution pattern PH shown in FIG. 18 . However, in this embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 in the predetermined region 310 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases from the inner side of the predetermined region 310 toward the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Furthermore, the region 311 that has been returned to the light amount in the first state is a rectangular region that is located inside the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 and overlaps with the center of the predetermined region 310. Note that the shape and position of the region 311 are not particularly limited as long as it is separated from the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310. Then, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is further increased over time in the area of ​​the predetermined area 310 other than the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, so that the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state spreads toward the outer periphery of the predetermined area 310. In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time so that the intensity of light from the second lamp unit 20 decreases with increasing distance from the area 311. Therefore, while the area closer to the area 311 remains brighter than the area farther from the area 311, both areas become brighter over time. Then, the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state begins with the area closest to the area 311, and the area 311 expands. Then, when the entire predetermined area 310 becomes the area 311 where the light amount has been returned to the first state, the state switches from the second state to the first state. Note that the area 311 is hatched in FIG. 25 for ease of understanding.

[0176] It is only necessary that the area 311 that has been returned to the light amount in the first state expands over time from the inside of the predetermined area 310 toward the outside of the predetermined area 310. For example, when the amount of light from the second lamp unit 20 is increased over time in an area other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310, the amount of light may increase over the entire area, or may increase over a part of the area.

[0177] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, similarly to the third embodiment, the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 becomes brighter, and this brightened area 311 spreads over time. Therefore, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0178] In the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in areas other than the area 311 in the predetermined area 310 so that the light intensity decreases the farther away from the area 311. Therefore, similarly to the third embodiment, the vehicle headlamp 1 of this embodiment can further prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the change in brightness in the predetermined area 310.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the speed at which the region 311 expands downward is approximately the same as the speed at which the region 311 expands upward, but it may be faster than the speed at which the region 311 expands upward. With this configuration, when switching from the second state to the first state, the lower side of the predetermined region 310 can be brightened more quickly than the upper side. Therefore, with this vehicle headlamp, for example, if the predetermined region 310 overlaps with a pedestrian, obstacle, or the like on the road when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can be made aware of the pedestrian, obstacle, or the like more quickly.

[0180] Alternatively, the speed at which region 311 expands upward may be faster than the speed at which region 311 expands downward. With this configuration, when switching from the second state to the first state, the upper side of predetermined region 310 can be brightened more quickly than the lower side. Therefore, with this vehicle headlamp, for example, if predetermined region 310 and a sign overlap when switching from the second state to the first state, the driver can become aware of the sign more quickly.

[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 coincides with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 at the same time. However, the upper side of the outer periphery of the region 311 may coincide with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 before the lower side. Alternatively, the lower side of the outer periphery of the region 311 may coincide with the outer periphery of the predetermined region 310 before the upper side.

[0182] Although the second aspect of the present invention has been described using the third to seventh embodiments as examples, the second aspect of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0183] For example, in the second embodiment, the second lamp unit 20 may also have the configuration shown in FIG.

[0184] In the third to seventh embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 including the third lamp unit 30 has been described as an example. However, the vehicle headlamp 1 does not necessarily have to include the third lamp unit 30. In this case, for example, the number of light-emitting elements 23 may be increased to widen the area 70 that can be irradiated with the light emitted from the second lamp unit 20, and the light from the second lamp unit 20 forms a high beam light distribution pattern, a low beam light distribution pattern, and a light distribution pattern according to other vehicles. In addition, the configuration of the third lamp unit 30 is not particularly limited. The third lamp unit 30 may be, for example, a parabolic lamp.

[0185] Furthermore, in the third to seventh embodiments, the lighting units 20, 30 are respectively provided with housings 26, 36. However, these lighting units 20, 30 may share a single housing, and components other than the housings of the respective lighting units 20, 30 may be housed within the lamp chamber of the single housing.

[0186] In addition, in the third to seventh embodiments, the predetermined region 310 is not connected to the outer edge of the light distribution pattern 300. However, the predetermined region 310 may be connected to the outer edge of the light distribution pattern 300. The intensity of light in the predetermined region 310 may change depending on, for example, the distance from the vehicle 100 to another vehicle. The width of the predetermined region 310 in the left-right direction may change depending on, for example, the distance from the vehicle 100 to another vehicle.

[0187] Furthermore, in the third to seventh embodiments, the vehicle headlamp 1 is described as being switchable between a first state in which light of a high-beam light distribution pattern PH is emitted and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern 200 in which the amount of light in a predetermined region 310 in the high-beam light distribution pattern PH is reduced is emitted. However, it is sufficient that the vehicle headlamp 1 is switchable between the first state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted and the second state in which light of a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined region in the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced is emitted.

[0188] Furthermore, in the third to seventh embodiments, a case has been described in which a preceding vehicle is detected as another vehicle by the detection device 110. However, the third to seventh embodiments can also be applied to a case in which the detection device 110 detects an oncoming vehicle as another vehicle.

[0189] Furthermore, in the third to seventh embodiments, the control unit CO controls the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 by referring to the table stored in the memory ME. However, the control unit CO may calculate information related to the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 based on information input from the determination unit 50, and control the power supplied to each of the light-emitting elements 23 based on this information.

[0190] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can improve forward visibility while suppressing dazzle to occupants of other vehicles, and according to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can suppress discomfort felt by the driver, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlights for automobiles and the like.

Claims

1. a lighting unit having a plurality of light emitting sections arranged in a matrix, each of which can change the amount of light emitted individually, and which emits light having a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting sections; The light source is switchable between a first state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined region in the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced is emitted, When switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in a portion of the predetermined area is returned to the amount of light in the portion of the predetermined area in the first state, and the portion of the predetermined area expands from the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the predetermined area toward the inside of the predetermined area over time. A vehicle headlamp characterized by:

2. a lighting unit having a plurality of light emitting sections arranged in a matrix, each of which can change the amount of light emitted individually, and which emits light having a light distribution pattern according to the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting sections; The light source is switchable between a first state in which light of a predetermined light distribution pattern is emitted and a second state in which light of a light distribution pattern in which the amount of light in a predetermined region in the predetermined light distribution pattern is reduced is emitted, When switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light in a portion of the predetermined area is returned to the amount of light in the portion of the predetermined area in the first state, and the portion of the predetermined area expands from the inside of the predetermined area toward the outer periphery of the predetermined area over time. A vehicle headlamp characterized by:

3. The speed at which the partial region spreads downward is faster than the speed at which the partial region spreads upward.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2.

4. The speed at which the partial region expands upward is faster than the speed at which the partial region expands downward.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 2.

5. When switching from the second state to the first state, the amount of light is increased over time in an area other than the partial area in the predetermined area so that the intensity of light decreases with increasing distance from the partial area.

5. A vehicle headlamp according to claim 1.

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