Vehicle headlights

Abstract

Vehicle headlamps (20) comprise a right-side lamp (40), a left-side lamp (40), and a control unit (110). A right-side light distribution pattern (430) and a left-side light distribution pattern (450) each include an overlapping area (471) and a non-overlapping area (473). If a steering angle is greater than a prescribed angle, the control unit (110) controls power supplied to light-emitting parts in the right-side lamp and power supplied to light-emitting parts in the left-side lamp such that: a first area in a first light distribution pattern is located in the non-overlapping area (473) in the first light distribution pattern; a second area in a second light distribution pattern is located in the overlapping area (471); and a first intensity of light in the first area becomes greater than the sum of a second intensity of light in the second area and a third intensity of light in an area overlapping with the second area within the first light distribution pattern.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a lamp unit of a vehicle headlamp, a plurality of light emitting parts such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and LDs (Laser Diodes) may be used. When light is emitted from each light emitting part, a light distribution pattern is formed in front of the vehicle. For example, in the case where the light distribution pattern is a high beam light distribution pattern, by adjusting the current supplied to each light emitting part, it becomes possible to sweep a hot zone, which is a region with the highest intensity in the light distribution pattern, in the left - right direction. Such a sweep may be referred to as an electronic sweep. In the vehicle headlamp described in Patent Document 1 below, an electronic sweep is performed following the steering angle of the vehicle.

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Lamp units are generally arranged on the left and right of the front part of the vehicle. When each lamp unit emits light, a light distribution pattern is formed. The light distribution pattern includes a right - hand light distribution pattern formed by the light from the right - hand lamp unit and a left - hand light distribution pattern formed by the light from the left - hand lamp unit. In this light distribution pattern, the left - hand end side of the right - hand light distribution pattern overlaps the right - hand end side of the left - hand light distribution pattern, the right - hand end side of the right - hand light distribution pattern does not overlap the left - hand light distribution pattern, and the left - hand end side of the left - hand light distribution pattern does not overlap the right - hand light distribution pattern. Thus, the right - hand light distribution pattern may be arranged shifted to the right with respect to the left - hand light distribution pattern.

[0005] When a vehicle turns, the driver tends to look towards the side the vehicle is turning in order to check what is ahead. In situations where high beams are used, it may be preferable to brighten the side of the high beam's light distribution pattern that is turning using electronic swivel to improve visibility on the side of the vehicle turning. For example, when a vehicle turns to the right, the hot zones of the right and left light distribution patterns swivel to the right in accordance with the steering angle. However, if the steering angle is too large, the hot zone of the left light distribution pattern may be located at the right edge of the left light distribution pattern, while the hot zone of the right light distribution pattern may be located at the right edge of the right light distribution pattern that does not overlap with the left light distribution pattern. Therefore, the hot zone of the right light distribution pattern may be shifted to the right of the hot zone of the left light distribution pattern. When a shift in the hot zone occurs, two peaks may be formed in the intensity distribution of the high beam's light distribution pattern. When two peaks are formed, the area corresponding to the intensity dip between the two peaks in the high beam's light distribution pattern becomes darker than the areas on either side of the dip. If the area corresponding to the dip is located in the driver's line of sight, the driver may perceive a part of their line of sight as darker than other parts, causing discomfort and potentially reducing visibility on the side of the vehicle as it turns.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle headlight that can suppress the reduction in visibility on the turning side of a vehicle when electronic swivel is performed.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle headlight of the present invention comprises: a right-side lamp having a plurality of light-emitting parts, positioned on the right side of the vehicle, and forming a right-side light distribution pattern which is part of the high-beam light distribution pattern with light from the plurality of light-emitting parts; a left-side lamp having a plurality of light-emitting parts, positioned on the left side of the vehicle, and forming a left-side light distribution pattern which is another part of the high-beam light distribution pattern with light from the plurality of light-emitting parts to the left of the right-side light distribution pattern; and a control unit that controls the power supplied to each of the light-emitting parts of the right-side lamp and each of the light-emitting parts of the left-side lamp so that the region with the highest light intensity in the right-side light distribution pattern and the region with the highest light intensity in the left-side light distribution pattern move left and right within their respective light distribution patterns in accordance with the steering angle of the vehicle, wherein each of the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern is The invention includes an overlapping superposition region and a non-overlapping region where the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns do not overlap, and when the steering angle is greater than a predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting section of each of the right-side and left-side light distribution devices so that when the steering angle is greater than a predetermined angle, the first region where the light intensity is highest in the first light distribution pattern, which is the light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle that turns among the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns, is located in the non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern, and the second region where the light intensity is highest in the second light distribution pattern, which is the light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle that turns among the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns, is located in the superimposed region, and the first light intensity in the first region is higher than the sum of the second light intensity in the second region and the third light intensity in the region of the first light distribution pattern that overlaps with the second region.

[0008] In this vehicle headlight, for example, if the sum of the second and third intensities is greater than or equal to the first intensity, two peaks may be formed in the light intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern consisting of a right-side light distribution pattern and a left-side light distribution pattern. When two peaks are formed, in the light distribution pattern consisting of a right-side light distribution pattern and a left-side light distribution pattern, the region corresponding to the valley in the intensity distribution located between the two peaks becomes darker than the regions on either side of the valley. Incidentally, when a vehicle turns, the driver tends to look towards the side the vehicle is turning in order to see ahead. When the steering angle is greater than a predetermined angle, if the region corresponding to the aforementioned valley and the regions on either side of the valley are located in the driver's line of sight, the driver may perceive that part of the region in their line of sight is darker than other parts, causing discomfort, and the visibility of the turning side of the vehicle may decrease. In particular, if the valley is formed like a step, visibility becomes even more difficult. However, in the above configuration, since the first intensity is higher than the sum of the second and third intensities, the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern, consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns, can be gradually reduced as it moves away from the peak in the left-right direction. Therefore, the formation of dips can be suppressed, the driver's discomfort can be suppressed, and the decrease in visibility on the turning side of the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0009] Furthermore, if the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit may control the power supplied to the light emitting section of the right-side and left-side luminaires so that the first intensity is higher than the intensity of light in the superimposed region of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns.

[0010] In this vehicle headlight, if the steering angle is greater than a predetermined angle and the light intensity in the superposition region of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns is greater than or equal to the first intensity, the peak of the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns may be formed closer to the center of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns than to the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning. In this case, from the driver's perspective, the side of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns becomes brighter than the side of the vehicle that is turning, which is where the driver's line of sight tends to be when the vehicle is turning, making it difficult to see the side of the vehicle that is turning. However, as in the above configuration, if the first intensity is higher than the light intensity in the superposition region, the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns becomes brighter on the side of the vehicle that is turning, and the side of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns that is turning may become brighter than the center of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns. Therefore, it may become easier to see the side of the vehicle as it turns.

[0011] Furthermore, if the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit may control the power supplied to the light emitting section of each of the lamps on the opposite side so that the light intensity in the superimposed region of the first light distribution pattern is lower than the light intensity in the superimposed region of the second light distribution pattern.

[0012] In this vehicle headlight, if the light intensity in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern is greater than or equal to the light intensity in the overlapping region of the second light distribution pattern, in a light distribution pattern consisting of a right-side light distribution pattern and a left-side light distribution pattern, from the driver's perspective, the central side of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern will be brighter than the side of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern on which the vehicle is turning, making it difficult to see the side of the vehicle turning. In contrast to this case, if the light intensity in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping region of the second light distribution pattern, the side of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern on which the vehicle is turning may be brighter than the central side of the light distribution pattern consisting of the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern on which the vehicle is turning. Therefore, visibility of the side of the vehicle turning may be easier compared to the case where the light intensity in the overlapping region of the second light distribution pattern is greater than or equal to the light intensity in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern.

[0013] Furthermore, if the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit may control the power supplied to the light emitting section of the right-side lamp and the left-side lamp on the side the vehicle is turning, so that the first intensity is higher than when the steering angle is less than or equal to the predetermined angle.

[0014] In this vehicle headlight, when the third region, which has the highest light intensity in the light distribution pattern consisting of a right-side light distribution pattern and a left-side light distribution pattern, is located in the overlapping region, the intensity in the third region is the sum of the first and second intensities. However, when the third region is located in the non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern, the intensity in the third region is the first intensity. If the first intensity is the same whether the third region is in the overlapping region or the non-overlapping region, the intensity in the third region will be lower when the third region is in the non-overlapping region compared to when it is in the overlapping region. Consequently, visibility of the turning side of the vehicle becomes more difficult. However, in the above configuration, when the third region is in the non-overlapping region, the first intensity is higher than when the third region is in the overlapping region. Therefore, in a light distribution pattern consisting of a right-side light distribution pattern and a left-side light distribution pattern, the turning side of the vehicle may become brighter, making it easier to see the turning side of the vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, if the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit may control the power supplied to each of the light-emitting sections of the bending lamp so that the light intensity in the non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern is higher than when the steering angle is less than or equal to the predetermined angle and the first region is located in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern.

[0016] Furthermore, the plurality of light-emitting units of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting units of the left-side lamp may be arranged in a matrix array.

[0017] Alternatively, the plurality of light-emitting units of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting units of the left-side lamp may be arranged in an array.

[0018] As described above, the present invention provides a vehicle headlight that can suppress the decrease in visibility on the turning side of the vehicle when electronic swivel is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the vehicle according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view of the first lighting fixture shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing the first light source unit. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of the second lighting fixture shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing the second light source and shade. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the light distribution pattern for low beams. [Figure 7] This figure shows the light distribution pattern of the high beam. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) shows the location of the hot zone in the right-side light distribution pattern when the vehicle is moving straight, Figure 8(B) shows the location of the hot zone in the left-side light distribution pattern when the vehicle is moving straight, and Figure 8(C) shows the location of the hot zone in the light distribution pattern when the vehicle is moving straight. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) shows the relative intensity distribution of the first light in the left-right direction within the right-side light distribution pattern shown in Figure 8(A), Figure 9(B) shows the relative intensity distribution of the first light in the left-right direction within the left-side light distribution pattern shown in Figure 8(B), and Figure 9(C) shows the relative intensity distribution of the first light in the left-right direction within the light distribution pattern shown in Figure 8(C). [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a control flowchart for the control unit. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) shows the location of the hot zone in the right-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the first steering angle, Figure 11(B) shows the location of the hot zone in the left-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the first steering angle, and Figure 11(C) shows the location of the hot zone in the light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the first steering angle. [Figure 12]FIG. 12(A) is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the right-side light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 11(A), FIG. 12(B) is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the left-side light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 11(B), and FIG. 12(C) is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 11(C). [Figure 13] FIG. 13(A) is a diagram showing the position of the hot zone of the right-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the second steering angle, FIG. 13(B) is a diagram showing the position of the hot zone of the left-side light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the second steering angle, and FIG. 13(C) is a diagram showing the position of the hot zone of the light distribution pattern when the steering angle is the second steering angle. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(A) is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the right-side light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 13(A), FIG. 14(B) is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the left-side light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 13(B), and FIG. 14(C) is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 13(C). [Figure 15] It is a front view schematically showing the first light source part of the modification.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist. Also, the present invention may appropriately combine the constituent elements in each of the embodiments illustrated below. In the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each member may be changed for easy understanding.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 1, vehicle 10 includes a vehicle headlight 20, a light switch 200, and a detection device 90. The vehicle headlight 20 in this embodiment is a headlight for an automobile. The vehicle headlight 20 mainly comprises a pair of lighting units 30a and 30b arranged on the left and right sides of the front part of vehicle 10, a control unit 110 that controls the lighting units 30a and 30b, and a recording unit 130. In this specification, "right" means the right side in the direction of travel of vehicle 10, and "left" means the left side in the direction of travel of vehicle 10.

[0022] The lighting units 30a and 30b emit low beams or high beams toward the front of the vehicle 10. In the following description, lighting unit 30a is located on the right side of the vehicle 10, and lighting unit 30b is located on the left side of the vehicle 10. Lighting units 30a and 30b have the same configuration except that their shapes are generally symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the following description, the configurations of lighting units 30a and 30b will be explained using lighting unit 30a.

[0023] The lighting unit 30a comprises a first lighting fixture 40 and a second lighting fixture 60. These lighting fixtures 40 and 60 are arranged side by side, with the first lighting fixture 40 positioned on the outermost edge of the vehicle 10 and the second lighting fixture 60 positioned on the innermost edge of the vehicle 10. The order in which the lighting fixtures 40 and 60 are arranged is not particularly limited.

[0024] Next, the first luminaire 40 will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the first luminaire 40 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the first luminaire 40 mainly comprises a first light source unit 41 that emits first light forward, a projection lens 49 positioned in front of the first light source unit 41, and a housing 51 that houses the first light source unit 41 and the projection lens 49. In Figure 2, the housing 51 is shown in a schematic vertical cross-section of the luminaire unit 30a.

[0026] The housing 51 mainly comprises a lamp housing 51a, a front cover 51b, and a back cover 51c. The front of the lamp housing 51a is open, and the front cover 51b is fixed to the lamp housing 51a so as to close this opening. In addition, a smaller opening is formed at the rear of the lamp housing 51a than the front, and the back cover 51c is fixed to the lamp housing 51a so as to close this opening.

[0027] A lamp chamber 51d is formed by a lamp housing 51a, a front cover 51b that closes the front opening of the lamp housing 51a, and a back cover 51c that closes the rear opening of the lamp housing 51a. A first light source 41 and a projection lens 49 are arranged inside the lamp chamber 51d. The front cover 51b is made of a light-transmitting material, and the first light emitted from the first light source 41 passes through the front cover 51b via the projection lens 49. The lamp housing 51a and the back cover 51c are made of, for example, resin.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the first light source unit 41 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first light source unit 41 mainly consists of a plurality of light-emitting units 43 that emit a first light, which is white light, forward, and a circuit board 45 on which the plurality of light-emitting units 43 are mounted. In Figure 3, for ease of viewing, only some of the light-emitting units 43 are labeled with reference numerals, and the reference numerals for the remaining light-emitting units 43 are omitted. Each light-emitting unit 43 is a micro-LED (Light Emitting Diode). Each light-emitting unit 43 is arranged in a matrix array, forming rows in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the first light source unit 41 is a so-called micro-LED array. There are 96 light-emitting units 43 arranged in the horizontal direction and 32 in the vertical direction. Each of these light-emitting units 43 is a light-emitting unit that self-illuminates and emits the first light.

[0029] The number of light-emitting units 43 is not particularly limited, as long as the light-emitting units 43 are arranged in a matrix. Also, the shape of the emission surface of each light-emitting unit 43 is generally the same size and square, but is not particularly limited. Each light-emitting unit 43 may be an LED emitting light of different wavelengths, or an LD (Laser Diode) emitting light of different wavelengths.

[0030] When the light-emitting unit 43 is supplied with current from a power supply unit (not shown) via a circuit board 45, it emits a first light. This projects a light distribution pattern 400, described later, onto the front of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The projection lens 49 is positioned in front of the first light source unit 41 and is a lens that receives the first light emitted from the first light source unit 41 and adjusts the divergence angle of the first light that enters the projection lens 49. In the projection lens 49, the incident surface is formed in a convex shape toward the rear, and the exit surface is formed in a convex shape toward the front. The rear focal point of the projection lens 49 is located on or near the exit surface of any of the light-emitting parts 43 in the first light source unit 41. The first light, whose divergence angle has been adjusted by the projection lens 49, is emitted from the first lamp 40 toward the front of the vehicle 10 via the front cover 51b of the housing 51.

[0032] Next, the second luminaire 60 will be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the second light fixture 60 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the second light fixture 60 mainly comprises a second light source unit 61 that emits second light forward, a shade 67, a projection lens 69 positioned in front of the second light source unit 61, and a housing 51 that houses the second light source unit 61, the shade 67, and the projection lens 69. In Figure 4, the housing 51 is shown in a schematic vertical cross-section of the second light fixture 60.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing the second light source unit 61 and shade 67 shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second light source unit 61 mainly comprises a light-emitting unit 63 that emits a second light, which is white light, and a circuit board 65 on which the light-emitting unit 63 is mounted. The light-emitting unit 63 is an LED that is roughly rectangular in shape, with an emission surface that emits the second light forward and is elongated in the left-right direction. Such a light-emitting unit 63 is a light-emitting unit that emits second light by self-illumination. The emission surface of the light-emitting unit 63 is larger than the emission surface of the light-emitting unit 43 in the first light source unit 41. Note that the shape of the emission surface of the light-emitting unit 63 is not particularly limited, and the light-emitting unit 63 may be an LD.

[0035] The shade 67 has a light-shielding portion 67a and a fixing portion 67b. The light-shielding portion 67a and the fixing portion 67b are integrally formed by bending a plate-shaped member. The light-shielding portion 67a extends in the left-right direction in front of the light-emitting portion 63, and the fixing portion 67b is connected to the lower end of the light-shielding portion 67a. The fixing portion 67b extends rearward from the lower end of the light-shielding portion 67a, and the end of the fixing portion 67b opposite to the light-shielding portion 67a side is fixed to the circuit board 65. The upper edge of the light-shielding portion 67a is located below the optical axis of the light-emitting portion 63. The upper edge of the light-shielding portion 67a includes a first edge 67e, a second edge 67f, and a third edge 67g. The first edge 67e extends generally in the horizontal direction. The second edge 67f extends linearly from one end of the first edge 67e toward the opposite side of the first edge 67e and diagonally downward to the left. The third edge 67g extends generally horizontally from the end of the second edge 67f opposite to the first edge 67e towards the opposite side of the first edge 67e. The light-shielding portion 67a of such a shade 67 blocks a portion of the second light emitted from the light-emitting portion 63, while the other portion of the second light is incident on the projection lens 69.

[0036] The projection lens 69 has the same configuration as the projection lens 49, is positioned in front of the shade 67, and is incident on by the second light emitted from the second light source 61. The rear focal point of the projection lens 69 is located at or near the upper edge of the light-shielding portion 67a of the shade 67.

[0037] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation of vehicle 10.

[0038] The recording unit 130 is electrically connected to the control unit 110. The recording unit 130 is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), but can include any type of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a "non-transitory" recording medium includes all computer-readable recording media except for transient propagation signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. The recording unit 130 stores information regarding the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43. This information may include, for example, the current value in each light-emitting unit 43.

[0039] The control unit 110 consists of, for example, an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, IC (Integrated Circuit), LSI (Large-scale Integrated Circuit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an NC (Numerical Control) device. Furthermore, if an NC device is used, the control unit 110 may or may not use a machine learning machine. The control unit 110 may also be part of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 10 (not shown).

[0040] The control unit 110 is electrically connected to the light switch 200. The light switch 200 is a switch that selects one of the following: low beam output, high beam output, or no light output. For example, when low beam output is selected, the light switch 200 outputs a control signal to the control unit 110 indicating low beam output, and when high beam output is selected, it outputs a control signal to the control unit 110 indicating high beam output. In other words, when the control unit 110 receives a control signal from the light switch 200, it drives the luminaire units 30a and 30b according to that control signal. Thus, the control signal is a signal that instructs the start of light output from the luminaire units 30a and 30b. The light switch 200 does not output a control signal to the control unit 110 when no light output is selected. When no control signal is received, the control unit 110 stops driving the luminaire units 30a and 30b.

[0041] The control unit 110 is electrically connected to a power supply unit (not shown). The power supply unit is electrically connected to circuit boards 45 and 65. When the control unit 110 receives a control signal from the light switch 200, it supplies or stops the supply of current to the respective light-emitting units 43 and 63 via the power supply unit and circuit boards 45 and 65. This selects which light-emitting units 43 and 63 emit light, and the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the luminaire units 30a and 30b changes according to this selection. The control unit 110 also controls the current supplied to the respective light-emitting units 43 and 63 via the power supply unit and circuit boards 45 and 65. By controlling the current, the power to each light-emitting unit 43 and 63 is controlled. This adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 and 63, and adjusts the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern.

[0042] A detection device 90 is electrically connected to the control unit 110. The detection device 90 is equipped with a steering sensor, which detects the rotation direction and rotation angle of the vehicle 10's steering wheel, that is, the direction in which the vehicle 10 turns and the steering angle of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the steering sensor detects the steering angles, distinguishing between a right steering angle and a left steering angle as different steering angles. When the steering angle is between 0° and the reference steering angle, the vehicle 10 is in a straight-ahead state. The steering angle of the steering wheel when the vehicle 10 is moving straight is taken as 0°, and the reference steering angle is, for example, 3°. Also, when the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle, the vehicle 10 is in a turning state. The steering sensor outputs a signal to the control unit 110 indicating the direction in which the vehicle 10 is turning and the steering angle of the vehicle 10. The steering sensor may also be electrically connected to the control unit 110 via an ECU (not shown) of the vehicle 10, and the signal from the steering sensor may be input to the control unit 110 via the ECU.

[0043] Next, we will explain the low beam emitted from the vehicle headlight 20.

[0044] Figure 6 shows the low beam light distribution pattern 910 in this embodiment. In the following description, in the diagrams showing the light distribution pattern such as Figure 6, S represents a horizontal line, V represents a vertical line passing through the center of the vehicle 10 in the left-right direction, and the light distribution pattern is described as being formed on a virtual vertical screen positioned 25 m in front of the vehicle 10. The low beam light distribution pattern 910 is formed by first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40 and second light emitted from the left and right second lamps 60. In Figure 6, the low beam light distribution pattern 910 is shown by a thick line.

[0045] The low beam light distribution pattern 910 of this embodiment has cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 at its upper edge. Cutoff line CL1 extends horizontally to the right, which is one side in the left-right direction, from the elbow point EP, which is located below the horizontal line S and on or near the vertical line V. Cutoff line CL2 extends diagonally upward to the left, which is the other side in the left-right direction, from the elbow point EP. In cutoff line CL2, the end opposite to the elbow point EP is located above the horizontal line S. Cutoff line CL3 extends horizontally to the other side in the left-right direction from the end of cutoff line CL2 opposite to the elbow point EP. In addition, the hot zone HZL, which is the region with the highest light intensity in the low beam light distribution pattern 910, is located near the elbow point EP.

[0046] The shapes of the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 correspond to the edges 67e, 67f, and 67g, which are the upper edges of the light-shielding portion 67a of the shade 67. The outline of the low-beam light distribution pattern 910 generally matches the outline of the light distribution pattern of the second light emitted from the second lamp 60. Furthermore, the shape of the low-beam light distribution pattern 910 corresponds to the shape of the light-shielding portion 67a, and is a light distribution pattern that is inverted vertically and horizontally when a portion of the second light is blocked by the light-shielding portion 67a.

[0047] In Figure 6, the illumination area 401b is shown as a dashed line when the first light is emitted from all light-emitting parts 43 in each of the left and right first lamps 40. The illumination area 401b is a long rectangle in the left-right direction. The illumination area 401b overlaps with the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The upper edge of the illumination area 401b is located above the upper edge of the low beam light distribution pattern 910 and the horizontal line S, and extends horizontally. The lower edge of the illumination area 401b is located below the horizontal line S and above the lower edge of the low beam light distribution pattern 910, and extends horizontally. The position and orientation of the light-emitting parts 43 are adjusted so that the illumination area 401b is arranged as described above.

[0048] When the low beam is emitted, the first light is not emitted from all the light-emitting parts 43 in each of the left and right first lamps 40, but rather from some of the light-emitting parts 43 in each of the left and right first lamps 40. In Figure 6, the illumination area when the first light is emitted from some of the light-emitting parts 43 is shown as illumination area 401c. Illumination area 401c is a part of illumination area 401b, and for ease of viewing, illumination area 401c is shown inside illumination area 401b. Illumination area 401c is the area inside illumination area 401b and below the cutoff lines CL1, CL2, CL3 in the vertical direction. When the low beam is emitted, the light distribution pattern 400 is formed in illumination area 401c by the first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40. The size and shape of the light distribution pattern 400 change depending on the selection of the light-emitting parts 43 that emit the first light. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of the first light in the light distribution pattern 400 is adjusted by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43. The entire light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with the low beam light distribution pattern 910, and therefore, not only the first light but also the second light is emitted into the illumination area 401c. The illumination area 401c includes the hot zone HZL. In the light distribution pattern 400, for example, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 is adjusted by the control unit 110 so that the intensity decreases as you move away from the hot zone HZL. In this way, the first and second lights are emitted from the lamps 40 and 60, and the low beam is emitted from the vehicle headlight 20. Note that it is not necessary for both the first and second lights to be emitted throughout the entire illumination area 401c; it is sufficient if the second light is emitted throughout the entire illumination area 401c. In this case, the first light may illuminate at least a portion of the illumination area 401c, or the first lamp 40 may be turned off and the first light may not illuminate the illumination area 401c.

[0049] Next, we will explain the high beam emitted from the vehicle's headlight 20.

[0050] Figure 7 shows the high beam light distribution pattern 930 in this embodiment. In Figure 7, the high beam light distribution pattern 930 is shown by a thick line, and the illumination area 401b is shown by a solid line. For ease of viewing, the illumination area 401b is shown inside the light distribution pattern 930. In this embodiment, the hot zone HZH, which is the region with the highest light intensity in the high beam light distribution pattern 930, is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and overlaps with the illumination area 401b. In Figure 7, an example is shown where the hot zone HZH is located above the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V.

[0051] The high-beam light distribution pattern 930, like the low-beam light distribution pattern 910, is formed by first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40 and second light emitted from the left and right second lamps 60. However, unlike the low-beam light distribution pattern 910, in the high-beam light distribution pattern 930, first light is emitted from all light-emitting parts 43 in the left and right first lamps 40. Therefore, the illumination area 401b is illuminated with first light from all light-emitting parts 43, forming a long rectangular light distribution pattern 400 in the left-right direction. Also, the second lamps 60 emit the same light as when forming the low-beam light distribution pattern 910. Thus, the high-beam light distribution pattern 930 is formed by the light distribution pattern 400 and the low-beam light distribution pattern 910. Part of the light distribution pattern 400 overlaps with the low-beam light distribution pattern 910, while other parts do not overlap with the low-beam light distribution pattern 910. In the high beam light distribution pattern 930, the hot zone HZH, which is the region with the highest light intensity, is located on or near the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V, and overlaps with the illumination area 401b. Figure 7 shows an example where the hot zone HZH is located above the intersection of the horizontal line S and the vertical line V. The hot zone HZH is also the hot zone of the light distribution pattern 400. In the high beam light distribution pattern 930, the light intensity distribution in the region overlapping with the illumination area 401b is such that, for example, the intensity decreases as you move away from the hot zone HZH. The amount of second light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 is adjusted by the control unit 110 so that the light intensity in the illumination area 401b has this distribution. With the first and second lights emitted from the lamps 40 and 60 in this way, the high beam is emitted from the vehicle headlight 20.

[0052] Next, we will explain the 400th light distribution pattern out of the 930 high beam light distribution patterns.

[0053] Figure 8(A) shows the right-side light distribution pattern 430 formed by the first light emitted from the right-side first lamp 40, and Figure 8(B) shows the left-side light distribution pattern 450 formed by the first light emitted from the left-side first lamp 40. Figure 8(C) shows the light distribution pattern 400 of the high-beam light distribution pattern 930. The right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 are elongated rectangles in the left-right direction and are the same size as each other. The center of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the V line, the center of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 in the left-right direction is located to the left of the V line, and the center of the light distribution pattern 400 in the left-right direction is located on the V line. The light distribution pattern 400 shown in Figure 8 is the same as the light distribution pattern 400 shown in Figure 7 and is formed by the superposition of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450. Therefore, in Figure 8, the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 of the light distribution pattern 400 are shown shifted vertically. In addition, in the light distribution pattern 400, the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is located at approximately the same height as the left-side light distribution pattern 450, and is located to the right of the left-side light distribution pattern 450. Furthermore, the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is formed shifted to the right of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 such that the left end of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 overlaps with the right end of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, the right end of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 does not overlap with the left-side light distribution pattern 450, and the left end of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 does not overlap with the right-side light distribution pattern 430. Therefore, each of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 includes an overlapping region 471 where the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 overlap, and a non-overlapping region 473 where the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 do not overlap. The non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 can be considered as the region where the first light from the left-side first luminaire 40, which forms the right end of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, has a lower luminous intensity than the first light from the left-side first luminaire 40, and overlaps with the first light from the right-side first luminaire 40.Furthermore, the non-overlapping region 473 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 can be considered as the region where the first light from the right-side first lamp 40, which forms the left end of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, has a lower luminous intensity than the first light from the right-side first lamp 40, and overlaps with the first light from the left-side first lamp 40. Each non-overlapping region 473 can be considered as the region where, visually to the human eye, the first light emitted from the left and right first lamps 40 does not overlap. The predetermined luminous intensity is, for example, 500 cd. The light distribution pattern 400, consisting of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 formed in this way, is part of the high-beam light distribution pattern 930. Note that the light distribution pattern 400 may be formed as at least part of the high-beam light distribution pattern 930.

[0054] In the following, in light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400, the regions with the highest intensity of the first light are referred to as the right hot zone 431, the left hot zone 451, and the hot zone HZH. The right hot zone 431 may also be referred to as the first region, and the left hot zone 451 as the second region. The positions of the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH shown in Figure 8 represent the positions when the vehicle 10 is moving straight. As described above, when the vehicle 10 is moving straight, the steering angle is less than or equal to the reference steering angle. When the vehicle 10 is moving straight, the hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the V line. In this case, the hot zone HZH is formed by the combination of the hot zones 431 and 451, and therefore is located on the V line, similar to the hot zones 431 and 451. In light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400, the intensity gradually decreases as you move away from the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH.

[0055] Figure 9(A) shows the relative intensity distribution 433 of the first light in the left-right direction within the right-side light distribution pattern 430 when vehicle 10 is moving straight. Figure 9(B) shows the relative intensity distribution 453 of the first light in the left-right direction within the left-side light distribution pattern 450 when vehicle 10 is moving straight. Figure 9(C) shows the relative intensity distribution 413 of the first light in the left-right direction within the light distribution pattern 400 when vehicle 10 is moving straight. In Figure 9, the vertical axis represents the relative intensity relative to the maximum intensity, and the horizontal axis represents the position in the left-right direction. When intensity distributions 433 and 453 are combined with respect to the H line and V line, intensity distribution 413 is formed. In Figure 9, the intensity distribution 413 is illustrated simply for ease of understanding, and the intensity distribution 413 shown in Figure 9 is not a combined distribution of intensity distributions 433 and 453 shown in Figure 9.

[0056] When vehicle 10 is moving straight, the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH are located on the V line as described above. Therefore, in intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413, the respective peaks 435, 455, and 415 are located on the V line. The intensity at peak 415 is the sum of the intensity at peak 435 and the intensity at peak 455. Also, for example, within the superimposed region 471, the intensity in intensity distribution 433 at a certain position a predetermined distance to the right of the V line corresponds to the intensity in intensity distribution 453 at the same predetermined distance to the right of the V line. When these intensities are combined, it becomes the intensity in intensity distribution 413 at a certain position a predetermined distance to the right of the V line. Therefore, the intensity distribution within the superimposed region 471 of intensity distribution 413 is an intensity distribution obtained by combining the intensity distribution within the superimposed region 471 of intensity distribution 433 and the intensity distribution within the superimposed region 471 of intensity distribution 453. Furthermore, in intensity distribution 433, the intensity distribution within the non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 corresponds to the intensity distribution within the said non-overlapping region 473 of intensity distribution 413. Also, in intensity distribution 453, the intensity distribution within the non-overlapping region 473 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450 corresponds to the intensity distribution within the said non-overlapping region 473 of intensity distribution 413.

[0057] The intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 gradually decrease as they move away from the peaks 435, 455, and 415 in the left-right direction. For example, the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400 may be roughly symmetrical with respect to the V-line, and the intensity distribution 433 may be roughly symmetrical with respect to the intensity distribution 453. Furthermore, the intensity distribution 433 may decrease from the peak 435 over a short range in the left-right direction, more so than on the right side with respect to the V-line. Similarly, the intensity distribution 453 may decrease from the peak 455 over a short range in the left-right direction, more so than on the left side with respect to the V-line. The intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 are not limited to those described above.

[0058] Next, the operation of the control unit 110 in this embodiment, specifically the electronic swivel control operation of the high beam, will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control flowchart of the control unit 110 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the control flow of this embodiment includes steps SP11 to SP15.

[0059] In the starting state, the vehicle headlights 20 emit high beams, forming a high beam light distribution pattern 930 including the light distribution pattern 400. The control unit 110 also receives a signal from the steering sensor of the detection device 90. This signal indicates the direction in which the vehicle 10 is turning and the steering angle of the vehicle 10.

[0060] (Step SP11) In this step, the control unit 110 determines whether the steering angle is less than or equal to the reference steering angle based on the signal from the steering sensor. If the steering angle is less than or equal to the reference steering angle, the control unit 110 proceeds to step SP12 of the control flow; if the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle, the control flow proceeds to step SP13.

[0061] (Step SP12) In this step, the vehicle 10 is moving straight, and the control unit 110 performs the first operation. In the first operation, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the left first lamp 40 and the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the right first lamp 40 so that the hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the V line as shown in Figure 8, and the intensity distributions 433 and 453 shown in Figure 9 are formed. When the current is adjusted, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting part 43 is adjusted, and in this step, the hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the V line as shown in Figure 8, and the intensity distributions 433 and 453 shown in Figure 9 are formed. As a result, in the light distribution pattern 400, the hot zone HZH is located on the V line, and the intensity distribution 413 shown in Figure 9 is formed. As described above, once the control unit 110 has controlled the current supplied to the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0062] (Step SP13) In this step, the control unit 110 determines, based on the signal from the steering sensor, whether the steering angle is less than or equal to a predetermined first steering angle. If the steering angle is greater than the reference steering angle but less than or equal to the first steering angle, the control unit 110 proceeds to step SP14 of the control flow. If the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle but is a second steering angle, the control flow proceeds to step SP15 of the control flow.

[0063] The first steering angle and the second steering angle are angles with a greater inclination than the reference steering angle. Therefore, in steps SP14 and SP15, the vehicle 10 is in a turning state, and in this case, electronic swivel control of the high beam is performed. In the electronic swivel control of the high beam, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the left first lamp 40 and the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the right first lamp 40 so that the right hot zone 431, which is the region with the highest intensity of the first light in the right light distribution pattern 430, and the left hot zone 451, which is the region with the highest intensity of the first light in the left light distribution pattern 450, move left and right within the respective light distribution patterns 430 and 450 in accordance with the steering angle of the vehicle 10 detected by the steering sensor of the detection device 90, with the vehicle 10 moving straight as the reference. In this case, the control unit 110 increases or decreases the current supplied to the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40 based on the signal input from the steering sensor of the detection device 90, thereby changing the intensity of the light emitted from the vehicle headlights 20. The more current increases, the higher the intensity. When the intensity changes, the intensity distributions 433 and 453 change. When the intensity distributions 433 and 453 change, the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 themselves do not swivel in the left and right directions, but the hot zones 431 and 451 move within the light distribution patterns 430 and 450 to the side on which the vehicle 10 is turning. As described above, when the intensity distributions 433 and 453 change and the hot zones 431 and 451 move, the intensity distribution 413 changes and the hot zone HZH also moves.

[0064] In the following, the light distribution pattern on the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning, of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450, will be referred to as the first light distribution pattern, and the light distribution pattern on the opposite side of the vehicle 10 that is turning, of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450, will be referred to as the second light distribution pattern. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the case where the vehicle 10 turns to the right will be used as an example, in which case the right-side light distribution pattern 430 will be the first light distribution pattern, and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 will be the second light distribution pattern. Also, when the vehicle 10 turns to the right, the first lamp 40 of the right-side lamp unit 30a will be the lamp on the turning side, and the first lamp 40 of the left-side lamp unit 30b will be the lamp on the opposite side of the turning side.

[0065] (Step SP14) In this step, the control unit 110 performs a second operation. In the second operation, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 and each light-emitting part 43 of the right first lamp 40, based on the first steering angle. The first steering angle is an angle that is more tilted clockwise than the reference steering angle, and is an angle in which the hot zones 431 and 451 are located in the superposition region 471. Such a first steering angle is, for example, 5°. Figure 11(A) shows the position of the hot zone 431 when the steering angle is the first steering angle, and Figure 11(B) shows the position of the hot zone 451 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Also, Figure 11(C) shows the position of the hot zone HZH when the steering angle is the first steering angle. The light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 shown in Figure 11 are the same as those shown in Figure 8, and the positions of the light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 relative to the V and H lines are the same as in Figure 8. Figure 12(A) shows the intensity distribution 433 when the steering angle is the first steering angle, and Figure 12(B) shows the intensity distribution 453 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. Figure 12(C) shows the intensity distribution 413 when the steering angle is the first steering angle. In Figures 11 and 12, the positions of the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH when the steering angle is the first steering angle are indicated by dashed lines 601. As shown in Figure 11, in the second operation, the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH are located within the superposition region 471.

[0066] In the second operation, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the left first lamp 40 and the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the right first lamp 40 so that the hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the dashed line 601 as shown in Figure 11, and the intensity distributions 433 and 453 shown in Figure 12 are formed. When the current is adjusted, the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting part 43 is adjusted so that the hot zones 431 and 451 are located on the dashed line 601 as shown in Figure 11, and the intensity distributions 433 and 453 shown in Figure 12 are formed. As a result, in the light distribution pattern 400, the hot zone HZH is located on the dashed line 601, and the intensity distribution 413 shown in Figure 12 is formed. When the steering angle is the first steering angle, the hot zones 431, 451, and HZH are shifted to the right of the V line and located on the dashed line 601. Therefore, compared to when the steering angle is the reference steering angle, the peaks 435, 455, and 415 are shifted to the right of the V line and located on the dashed line 601. In this step as well, the intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 are gradually reduced as they move away from the peaks 435, 455, and 415 in the left-right direction. One end of the intensity distribution 433 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side, and the other end is located on the overlapping region 471 side, with the intensity at one end being higher than the intensity at the other end. Similarly, one end of the intensity distribution 453 is located on the overlapping region 471 side, and the other end of the intensity distribution 453 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side, with the intensity at one end being higher than the intensity at the other end. Furthermore, one end of the intensity distribution 413 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, and the other end of the intensity distribution 413 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, with the intensity at one end being higher than the intensity at the other end. As described above, once the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the respective light-emitting sections 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0067] (Step SP15) In this step, the control unit 110 performs a third operation. In the third operation, based on the signal from the steering sensor, the steering angle becomes the second steering angle, and the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 and each light-emitting part 43 of the right first lamp 40 based on the second steering angle. The second steering angle is an angle in which the inclination in the clockwise direction is greater than that of the first steering angle. The second steering angle is also the angle at which the right hot zone 431 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430, and the left hot zone 451 is located in the overlapping region 471. Figure 13(A) shows the position of the hot zone 431 when the steering angle is the second steering angle, and Figure 13(B) shows the position of the hot zone 451 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 13(C) shows the position of the hot zone HZH when the steering angle is the second steering angle. The light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 shown in Figure 13 are the same as those shown in Figure 8, and the positions of the light distribution patterns 430, 450, and 400 relative to the V and H lines are the same as in Figure 8. Figure 14(A) shows the intensity distribution 433 when the steering angle is the second steering angle, and Figure 14(B) shows the intensity distribution 453 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. Figure 14(C) shows the intensity distribution 413 when the steering angle is the second steering angle. In Figures 13 and 14, the positions of the hot zones 431 and HZH when the steering angle is the second steering angle are indicated by dashed lines 603. The dashed lines 603 are located in the non-overlapping region 473 on the right side of the light distribution pattern 430. As shown in Figure 13, in the third operation, the hot zone 431,HZH is located in the non-overlapping region 473 on the right-side light distribution pattern 430, and the hot zone 451 is located in the overlapping region 471. Figures 13 and 14 also show the dashed line 601 shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0068] In the third operation, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40 so that the right-side hot zone 431 is shifted further to the right from the V line and positioned on the dashed line 603, as shown in Figure 13. However, when the steering angle is the second steering angle, the dashed line 603 is located outside the left-side light distribution pattern 450. Therefore, even if the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left-side first lamp 40, it cannot move the left-side hot zone 451 onto the dashed line 603. For this reason, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left-side lamp unit 30b's first lamp 40 so that the left-side hot zone 451 is positioned between the V line and the right edge of the left-side light distribution pattern 450. The adjustment of this current will be described later.

[0069] When the steering angle is the second steering angle, the right-side hot zone 431 is located on the dashed line 603, and as shown in Figure 14(A), the peak 435 of the intensity distribution 433 is located on the dashed line 603. In this step as well, the intensity distribution 433 is gradually reduced as it moves away from the peak 435 in the left-right direction. One end of the intensity distribution 433 is located on the non-overlapping region 473 side, and the other end of the intensity distribution 433 is located on the overlapping region 471 side, and the intensity at one end is higher than the intensity at the other end.

[0070] Furthermore, when the steering angle is the second steering angle, the left hot zone 451 is located between the V line and the right end of the left light distribution pattern 450. As shown in Figure 14(B), the peak 455 of the intensity distribution 453 is located between the V line and the right end of the left light distribution pattern 450. In this step as well, the intensity distribution 453 is gradually reduced as it moves away from the peak 455 in the left-right direction. One end of the intensity distribution 453 is located on the superimposed region 471 side, and the other end of the intensity distribution 453 is located on the non-superimposed region 473 side, and the intensity at one end is higher than the intensity at the other end.

[0071] In Figure 14(A), the intensity distribution that overlaps with intensity distribution 453 within intensity distribution 433 is shown as intensity distribution 433a, and the intensity distribution that does not overlap with intensity distribution 453 is shown as intensity distribution 433b. Intensity distribution 433a is the intensity distribution in the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 433, and intensity distribution 433b is the intensity distribution in the non-overlapping region 473 of intensity distribution 433. In Figure 14(B), the intensity distribution that overlaps with intensity distribution 433 within intensity distribution 453 is shown as intensity distribution 453a. Intensity distribution 453a is also the intensity distribution in the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 453, and is an intensity distribution that is combined with intensity distribution 433a. In Figure 14(C), the intensity distribution in the overlapping region 471 of intensity distribution 413 is shown as intensity distribution 413a, and the intensity distribution in the non-overlapping region 473 is shown as intensity distribution 413b. Intensity distribution 413a is a composite of intensity distribution 433a and intensity distribution 453a. Furthermore, since intensity distribution 413b corresponds to intensity distribution 433b, peak 415 of intensity distribution 413 corresponds to peak 435 of intensity distribution 433b. In Figure 14, the intensity at peak 435 is shown as intensity I35, and the intensity at peak 415 corresponding to peak 415 is shown as intensity I15. Since peak 415 corresponds to peak 435, intensity I15 is the same as intensity I35. Also in Figure 14, the intensity at peak 455 is shown as intensity I55. Additionally, in Figure 14, the intensity at point P in intensity distribution 433a is shown as intensity IP. Point P represents the region overlapping with the hot zone 451 in the right-side light distribution pattern 430, and intensity IP is the light intensity in that region. Therefore, in the left-right direction of the intensity distribution 433,453, the distance between the V line and point P is the same as the distance between the V line and peak 455. Also, point P is located at the same position as peak 455 in the left-right direction, as shown by the dashed line 605, and in the light distribution pattern 400, the first light of intensity IP overlaps with the first light of intensity I55. Intensity IP is set lower than intensity I35.

[0072] In the third operation, if the steering angle is a second steering angle greater than the first steering angle which is a predetermined angle, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 and each light-emitting part 43 of the right first lamp 40 so that the hot zone 431 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430, the hot zone 451 is located in the overlapping region 471, and the intensity I35 at peak 435 is higher than the sum of the intensity I55 at peak 455 and the intensity IP at point P. The intensity distribution 453, which includes the adjusted intensity I55, is gradually reduced as it moves away from the peak 455 in the left-right direction, as described above. The intensity distribution 413, which includes intensity I15, is formed by combining the intensity distribution 433 and the intensity distribution 453. The intensity distribution 413 is gradually reduced as it moves away from the peak 415 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the intensity distribution 413a within the intensity distribution 413 is an intensity distribution formed by combining the intensity distribution 433a within the intensity distribution 433 and the intensity distribution 453a within the intensity distribution 453. As described above, once the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the respective light-emitting parts 43 of the left and right first lamps 40, the control flow returns to step SP11.

[0073] As described above, the vehicle headlight 20 of this embodiment comprises a right-side first lamp 40 positioned on the right side of the vehicle 10, a left-side first lamp 40 positioned on the left side of the vehicle 10, and a control unit 110. The right-side first lamp 40 has a plurality of light-emitting units 43 as a light-emitting section, and the light from the plurality of light-emitting units 43 forms a right-side light distribution pattern 430, which is part of the high-beam light distribution pattern 930. The left-side first lamp 40 has a plurality of light-emitting units 43 as a light-emitting section, and the light from the plurality of light-emitting units 43 forms a left-side light distribution pattern 450, which is another part of the high-beam light distribution pattern 930, to the left of the right-side light distribution pattern 430. The control unit 110 controls the current supplied to the light-emitting parts 43 of the left first lamp 40 and the right first lamp 40 so that the hot zone 431, which is the area with the highest light intensity in the right light distribution pattern 430, and the hot zone 451, which is the area with the highest light intensity in the left light distribution pattern 450, each move left and right within their respective light distribution patterns 430 and 450 in accordance with the steering angle of the vehicle 10. The right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 each include an overlapping region 471 where the right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 overlap, and a non-overlapping region 473 where the right light distribution pattern 430 and the left light distribution pattern 450 do not overlap. For example, when the vehicle 10 turns to the right, the first light distribution pattern becomes the right light distribution pattern 430, and the second light distribution pattern becomes the left light distribution pattern 450. If the steering angle is greater than a predetermined first steering angle, the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 and the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right first lamp 40 so that the hot zone 431, which is the first region of the right light distribution pattern 430, is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430, the hot zone 451, which is the second region of the left light distribution pattern 450, is located in the overlapping region 471, and the intensity I35, which is the first intensity in the hot zone 431, is higher than the sum of the intensity I55, which is the second intensity in the hot zone 451, and the intensity IP, which is the third intensity in the hot zone 451.

[0074] For example, if the sum of intensity I55 and intensity IP is greater than or equal to intensity I35, two peaks 415 may be formed in the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400. When two peaks 415 are formed, the region in the light distribution pattern 400 corresponding to the valley in the intensity distribution located between the two peaks 415 becomes darker than the regions on either side of the valley. Incidentally, when vehicle 10 turns, the driver tends to turn their gaze toward the side the vehicle 10 is turning in order to see ahead. When the steering angle is greater than a predetermined first steering angle, if the region corresponding to the valley and the regions on either side of the valley are located in the driver's line of sight, the driver may perceive that part of the region in their line of sight is darker than other parts, causing discomfort, and the visibility of the turning side of vehicle 10 may decrease. In particular, if the valley is formed like a step, visibility becomes even more difficult. However, in the above configuration, since intensity I35 is higher than the sum of intensity I55 and intensity IP, the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400 can gradually decrease as it moves away from the peak 415 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the formation of dips can be suppressed, the driver's discomfort can be suppressed, and the decrease in visibility on the turning side of the vehicle 10 can be suppressed.

[0075] In the above, the relationship between intensities I35, IP, and I55 within intensity distributions 433 and 453 was described. However, the relationships between the intensities of intensity distributions 433, 453, and 413 are not limited to these, and other relationships will be explained below.

[0076] In the vehicle headlight 20, if the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 may control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 so that the intensity I35 is higher than the light intensity in the entire superposition area 471 of the light distribution pattern 400. Therefore, the intensity I35 is higher than each intensity in the intensity distribution 413a. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the intensity distribution 453a by adjusting the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 based on the intensity distribution 433a so that the intensity I35 is higher than each intensity in the intensity distribution 413a.

[0077] When the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, and the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the light distribution pattern 400 is greater than or equal to intensity I35, the peak 415 in the intensity distribution 413 of the light distribution pattern 400 is formed closer to the center of the light distribution pattern 400 than to the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning. In this case, from the driver's perspective, the center of the light distribution pattern 400 becomes brighter than the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning, which is where the driver's line of sight tends to be when the vehicle is turning, making it difficult to see the turning side of the vehicle 10. However, as in the above configuration, when the intensity I35 is higher than the light intensity across the entire superimposed region 471 of the light distribution pattern 400, the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning becomes brighter in the light distribution pattern 400, and the side of the light distribution pattern 400 that is turning can become brighter than the center of the light distribution pattern 400. Therefore, it may become easier to see the turning side of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, if the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 does not need to control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 so that the intensity I35 is higher than the light intensity in the entire superposition area 471 of the light distribution pattern 400.

[0078] In addition, in the vehicle headlight 20, if the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 may control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 so that the light intensity in the overlapping region 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping region 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the intensity distribution 453a by adjusting the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40, making the intensity distribution 453a of the left light distribution pattern 450 lower than the intensity distribution 433a of the right light distribution pattern 430.

[0079] When the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, and the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is greater than or equal to the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, in the light distribution pattern 400, from the driver's perspective, the central side of the light distribution pattern 400 becomes brighter than the side of the light distribution pattern 400 on which the vehicle 10 is turning, which may make it difficult to see the turning side of the vehicle 10. In contrast to this case, when the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is lower than the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450, the side of the light distribution pattern 400 on which the vehicle 10 is turning may become brighter than the central side of the light distribution pattern 400. Therefore, the turning side of the vehicle 10 may become easier to see compared to the case where the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is greater than or equal to the light intensity in the superimposed region 471 of the left-side light distribution pattern 450. Furthermore, if the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 does not need to control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the left first lamp 40 so that the light intensity in the overlapping region 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is lower than the light intensity in the overlapping region 471 of the left light distribution pattern 450.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 20, when the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 may control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40 so that the intensity I35 is higher compared to when the steering angle is less than or equal to the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the superposition area 471. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the intensity I35 by adjusting the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40.

[0081] When the hot zone HZH, which is the third region of the light distribution pattern 400, is located in the superimposed region 471, the intensity I15 in the hot zone HZH is the sum of intensity I35 and intensity I55. However, when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-superimposed region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, the intensity I15 is intensity I35. If the intensity I35 is the same when the hot zone HZH is located in the superimposed region 471 and when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-superimposed region 473, then the intensity I15 will be lower when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-superimposed region 473 compared to when the hot zone HZH is located in the superimposed region 471. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to see the turning side of the vehicle 10. However, in the above configuration, when the hot zone HZH is located in the non-superimposed region 473, the intensity I35 is higher than when the hot zone HZH is located in the superimposed region 471. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern 400, the side of the vehicle 10 that is turning may become brighter, making it easier to see the turning side of the vehicle 10. Also, when the control unit 110 controls the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40 so that the hot zone 431 is located in the non-overlapping region 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430, the control unit 110 may control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40 so that the intensity I35 is higher than the sum of the intensity I35 and intensity I55 when the hot zones 431 and 451 are located in the overlapping region 471. This makes it possible, for example, that the side of the light distribution pattern 400 on which the vehicle 10 is turning when the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle is brighter than the center side of the light distribution pattern 400 when the vehicle 10 is traveling straight. Therefore, even when the vehicle 10 changes from moving straight to turning, the darkening of the line of sight is suppressed, and the turning side of the vehicle 10 can be more easily seen. Furthermore, when the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 does not need to control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40 to increase the intensity I35, compared to when the steering angle is less than or equal to the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the superposition area 471.

[0082] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlight 20, when the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 may control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right first lamp 40 so that the light intensity in the non-overlapping area 473 of the right light distribution pattern 430 is higher compared to when the steering angle is less than or equal to the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430. In this case, the control unit 110 adjusts the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right first lamp 40 to increase the intensity distribution 433b compared to when the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping area 471 of the right light distribution pattern 430. Furthermore, when the steering angle is greater than the first steering angle, the control unit 110 does not need to control the current supplied to each light-emitting part 43 of the right-side first lamp 40 so that the light intensity in the non-overlapping area 473 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430 is higher, compared to when the steering angle is less than or equal to the first steering angle and the hot zone 431 is located in the overlapping area 471 of the right-side light distribution pattern 430.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the case where the vehicle 10 turns to the right was used as an example for explanation. However, when the vehicle 10 turns to the left, the control unit 110 should control the left and right first lights 40 in a symmetrical manner compared to when the vehicle 10 turns to the right. The predetermined steering angle may be a reference steering angle rather than a first steering angle. The control unit 110 may also control the left and right first lights 40 as described above when the steering angle is a first steering angle greater than the reference steering angle, similar to when the steering angle is a second steering angle greater than 1 steering angle.

[0084] Furthermore, the first light source unit 41 of the luminaire units 30a and 30b is not limited to a micro-LED array, but may be a so-called LED array. Figure 15 is a schematic front view showing the first light source unit 41 when it is an LED array. As shown in Figure 15, each light-emitting unit 43 is an LED that is roughly rectangular in shape, with an emission surface that emits first light forward and is elongated in the vertical direction. The emission surface of each light-emitting unit 43 is larger than the emission surface of the light-emitting unit 43 when the first light source unit 41 is a micro-LED array. Also, when the first light source unit 41 is an LED array, each light-emitting unit 43 is arranged in an array in a single row in the left-right direction.

[0085] Figure 15 shows an example where there are 10 light-emitting units 43, but the number of light-emitting units 43 is not particularly limited as long as there are two or more.

[0086] Even when the first light source 41 is an LED array, the size and shape of the light distribution pattern 400 change according to the selection of the light-emitting unit 43 that emits the first light. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of the first light in the light distribution pattern 400 is adjusted by adjusting the amount of first light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43.

[0087] When the first light source unit 41 is an LED array, the right-side light distribution pattern 430 and the left-side light distribution pattern 450 are the same as when the first light source unit 41 is a micro-LED array.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, the light-emitting unit 43 can be any light-emitting unit that emits light on its own and emits the first light, and it may be a light-emitting unit other than an LED or LD. In this case, the control unit 110 may control the voltage to each light-emitting unit 43 instead of controlling the current. By controlling the voltage, the power to each light-emitting unit 43 is controlled. This adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 43 and adjusts the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern.

[0090] The configuration of the first light fixture 40 may be one in which light emitted from a light source is diffracted using an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) to form a desired light distribution pattern and emitted forward. Alternatively, the configuration of the first light fixture 40 may be one in which light emitted from a light source is reflected by a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), or one in which light emitted from a light source is transmitted through a liquid crystal panel. In the case of an LCOS, each of the multiple liquid crystal elements arranged in a matrix can be understood as a light emitting part that emits light by reflecting light from the light source. In the case of a DMD, each of the multiple mirrors arranged in a matrix can be understood as a light emitting part that emits light by reflecting light from the light source. In the case of a liquid crystal panel, each of the multiple liquid crystal elements arranged in a matrix can be understood as a light emitting part that emits light by transmitting light from the light source. In the LCOS, DMD, and liquid crystal panel, the voltage applied to each light emitting part is controlled. The power to each light emitting part is controlled by the voltage control. This changes the light reflection state of each liquid crystal element in the LCOS, the reflection direction of each mirror in the DMD, and the transmittance of each liquid crystal element in the liquid crystal panel. These changes form a desired light distribution pattern, adjust the amount of light emitted from each light emission part, and adjust the light intensity distribution in that light distribution pattern.

[0091] The first light source unit 41 of the luminaire unit 30a and the first light source unit 41 of the luminaire unit 30b may be configured as a micro LED array, while the other is configured as an LED array.

[0092] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can suppress the reduction in visibility on the turning side of a vehicle when electronic swivel is performed, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlights for automobiles.

Claims

1. A right-side lamp having multiple light-emitting parts, positioned on the right side of the vehicle, and forming a right-side light distribution pattern which is part of the high-beam light distribution pattern with light from the multiple light-emitting parts, A left-side lamp having multiple light-emitting units, positioned on the left side of the vehicle, and forming a left-side light distribution pattern, which is another part of the high beam light distribution pattern, with light from the multiple light-emitting units on the left side of the right-side light distribution pattern, A control unit controls the power supplied to the light-emitting section of each of the right-side lamps and the light-emitting section of each of the left-side lamps so that the region with the highest light intensity in the right-side light distribution pattern and the region with the highest light intensity in the left-side light distribution pattern move left and right within their respective light distribution patterns in accordance with the steering angle of the vehicle. Equipped with, Each of the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern includes an overlapping region where the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern overlap, and a non-overlapping region where the right-side light distribution pattern and the left-side light distribution pattern do not overlap. If the steering angle is greater than a predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light-emitting parts of the right-side lamp and the left-side lamp so that the first region with the highest light intensity in the first light distribution pattern, which is the light distribution pattern on the side the vehicle is turning from among the right-side and left-side light distribution patterns, is located in the non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern, and the second region with the highest light intensity in the second light distribution pattern, which is the light distribution pattern on the side opposite to the side the vehicle is turning from, is located in the overlapping region, and the first light intensity in the first region is higher than the sum of the second light intensity in the second region and the third light intensity in the region of the first light distribution pattern that overlaps with the second region. A vehicle headlight characterized by the following features.

2. If the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting section of the right-side lamp and the left-side lamp on the opposite side, such that the first intensity is higher than the light intensity in the superimposed region of the light distribution pattern consisting of the first and second light distribution patterns. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

3. If the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitters of the opposite light fixture so that the light intensity in the superimposed region of the first light distribution pattern is lower than the light intensity in the superimposed region of the second light distribution pattern. The vehicle headlight according to feature 2.

4. When the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to the light emitting section of the right-side lamp and the left-side lamp on the side the vehicle is turning, so that the first intensity is higher than when the steering angle is less than or equal to the predetermined angle. A vehicle headlight according to any one of the features described in 1 to 3.

5. If the steering angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit controls the power supplied to each of the light-emitting parts of the bending lamp so that the light intensity in the non-overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern is higher compared to when the steering angle is less than or equal to the predetermined angle and the first region is located in the overlapping region of the first light distribution pattern. The vehicle headlight according to feature 4.

6. The plurality of light-emitting units of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting units of the left-side lamp are arranged in a matrix array. A vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The plurality of light-emitting units of the right-side lamp and the plurality of light-emitting units of the left-side lamp are arranged in an array. A vehicle headlight according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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