Vehicle headlights

Abstract

To provide a vehicle headlight capable of suppressing decrease in front visibility.SOLUTION: A vehicle headlight 20 includes a pair of lighting fixtures 60, and a control part CO. When the intensity of light in a prescribed area 233 of a part in one light distribution pattern 230A formed by the lighting fixture due to reduction in an emitted light amount of a light emission part 65 of a part of one lighting fixture 60 is lowered, an area 231 where the light intensity in a light distribution pattern 250A formed by the other lighting fixture 60 is highest is made close to the prescribed area 233.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The lamp units of vehicle headlamps are generally arranged on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle. When one of the left and right lamp units lights up while the other becomes non - lit due to an abnormality such as a failure, the total luminous flux emitted by the vehicle headlamp decreases and becomes insufficient. Therefore, in the vehicle headlamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, the luminous flux emitted from the normal one of the lamp units is increased to compensate for the insufficient total luminous flux of the vehicle headlamp.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, in Patent Document 1, the luminous flux emitted from the normal one of the lamp units is increased to compensate for the insufficient total luminous flux of the vehicle headlamp. However, when the luminous flux emitted from one of the lamp units cannot be increased any further because it has already reached the maximum, the insufficient total luminous flux of the vehicle headlamp may not be compensated. For this reason, the total luminous flux emitted by the vehicle headlamp may decrease, and the forward visibility may decrease.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp that can suppress a decrease in forward visibility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the vehicle headlight of the present invention comprises a pair of lamps arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle, each including a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting parts, and a control unit, wherein the control unit, when the amount of light emitted from a part of the light-emitting part of one of the lamps decreases, reduces the intensity of light in a predetermined area in one of the light distribution patterns formed by the lamp, moves the area with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern formed by the other lamp closer to the predetermined area.

[0007] In this vehicle headlight, if the amount of light emitted from a part of the light-emitting part of one lamp decreases, the light intensity of a predetermined area in one of the light distribution patterns decreases, and the predetermined area becomes darker, and the area where the predetermined area is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern formed by one of the light distribution patterns becomes darker. Therefore, in this vehicle headlight, the control unit moves the area with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined area. When the area with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern moves closer to the predetermined area, the area where the predetermined area is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern may become brighter than when that area does not move closer to the predetermined area. Thus, brightness is compensated for in the area where the predetermined area is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern, and the decrease in forward visibility can be suppressed.

[0008] Furthermore, the vehicle headlights may further include a pair of actuators that adjust the direction of the light emitted from the light source of each of the lamps, and the control unit may, when the intensity of the light in the predetermined region decreases, change the direction of the light emitted from the light source of the other lamp by the actuator of the other lamp so that the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern approaches the predetermined region.

[0009] In this configuration, an actuator causes the other light distribution pattern to swivel or level relative to the other light distribution pattern so that the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern approaches a predetermined region. Therefore, even if the light output of the other luminaire is already at its maximum, the region where the predetermined region is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern can be brightened.

[0010] Furthermore, if the intensity of the light in the predetermined area decreases, the control unit may switch the light emitting unit that emits the light with the highest intensity in the other light distribution pattern to another light emitting unit so that the area with the highest intensity of the light in the other light distribution pattern approaches the predetermined area.

[0011] In this configuration, by switching the light emission section, the other light distribution pattern swivels or levels relative to the other light distribution pattern so that the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern approaches a predetermined region. In this case, the other light distribution pattern can swivel or level relative to the other light distribution pattern in a shorter time than when it is swiveled or leveled relative to the other light distribution pattern by an actuator. Therefore, the region where the predetermined region is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern can be brightened in a shorter time.

[0012] Furthermore, if the intensity of the light in the predetermined area decreases, the control unit may perform temperature derating on the light source of one of the lamps.

[0013] Alternatively, if the intensity of the light in the predetermined area decreases, the light-emitting part of one of the lamps that is supposed to emit light toward the predetermined area may not emit light.

[0014] Furthermore, if the intensity of the light in the predetermined region decreases, the control unit may move the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined region so that the intensity of the light increases by the amount by which the intensity of the light in the predetermined region decreases.

[0015] With this configuration, compared to a case where the intensity of light in a predetermined area decreases but the intensity of light in the area where the predetermined area is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern does not increase, the area where the predetermined area is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern may become brighter, thereby suppressing a decrease in forward visibility.

[0016] Furthermore, if the intensity of the light in the predetermined region decreases, the control unit may align the region with the highest intensity of light in the other light distribution pattern with the predetermined region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the present invention provides a vehicle headlight that can suppress a decrease in forward visibility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting section of a luminaire for an additional light distribution pattern. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) shows one light distribution pattern formed by the light from one luminaire unit, Figure 3(B) shows the other light distribution pattern formed by the light from the other luminaire unit, and Figure 3(C) shows a predetermined light distribution pattern formed by the superposition of the light distribution patterns shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B). [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a vehicle's headlights. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) shows the position of a predetermined region in one light distribution pattern, Figure 5(B) shows an example of bringing the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined region, and Figure 5(C) shows the light distribution pattern formed by superimposing the light distribution patterns shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B). [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) shows the position of a predetermined region in one light distribution pattern, Figure 6(B) shows another example of bringing the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined region, and Figure 6(C) shows the light distribution pattern formed by superimposing the light distribution patterns shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B). [Figure 7]FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing one light distribution pattern in a modified example, FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing the other light distribution pattern in the modified example, and FIG. 7(C) is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by overlapping the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B). [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is a diagram showing the position of a predetermined region in one light distribution pattern, FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing an example of bringing the region where the light intensity is highest in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined region, and FIG. 8(C) is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by overlapping the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B). [Figure 9] FIG. 9(A) is a diagram showing the position of a predetermined region in one light distribution pattern, FIG. 9(B) is a diagram showing another example of bringing the region where the light intensity is highest in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined region, and FIG. 9(C) is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by overlapping the light distribution patterns shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] 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 the embodiments illustrated below. In the drawings referred to below, for the sake of easy understanding, the dimensions of each member may be shown changed. Also, in the drawings, for the sake of easy viewing, reference numerals may be attached only to a part of the same constituent elements, and some reference numerals may be omitted.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle headlight 20 and a detection device 30. The vehicle headlight 20 in this embodiment is a headlight for an automobile. The vehicle headlight 20 includes a pair of lighting units 40 arranged on the left and right sides of the front part of the vehicle 10. In this specification, "right" means the right side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10, and "left" means the left side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10.

[0021] Each lighting unit 40 has the same configuration, except that its shape is generally symmetrical in the left-right direction. For this reason, the following description will use one of the lighting units 40. The lighting unit 40 comprises a housing 50, lighting fixtures 60 and 70, a pair of actuators 80, a pair of temperature sensors 90, a control unit CO, and a memory ME.

[0022] The housing 50 comprises a housing and an outer cover. The housing is box-shaped with an opening at the front, and the outer cover is fixed to the housing so as to close the opening. In this way, a housing space is formed in the housing 50, enclosed by the housing and the outer cover, and the luminaires 60, 70, a pair of actuators 80, and a pair of temperature sensors 90 are housed in this housing space. The outer cover transmits the light emitted from the luminaires 60, 70. The control unit CO and memory ME are located outside the housing 50, but may be located within the housing space of the housing 50.

[0023] The luminaire 70 emits light that forms a low-beam light distribution pattern in front of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the light from the luminaire 70 of one luminaire unit 40, together with the light from the luminaire 70 of the other luminaire unit 40, forms a low-beam light distribution pattern. The luminaire 70 comprises a housing 61 and a light source unit 63. The housing 61 comprises a housing and an outer cover. The housing is configured as a box shape with an opening at the front, and the outer cover is fixed to the housing so as to close the opening. In this way, a housing space is formed in the housing 61 surrounded by the housing and the outer cover, and the light source unit 63 is housed in the housing space. Optical components such as reflectors and projection lenses, as well as shades, are arranged in the housing space so as to form a low-beam light distribution pattern.

[0024] The luminaire 60 emits light in front of the vehicle 10 that forms an additional light distribution pattern, which is added to the low beam light distribution pattern to form the high beam light distribution pattern. Specifically, the light from the luminaire 60 of one luminaire unit 40, together with the light from the luminaire 60 of the other luminaire unit 40, forms an additional light distribution pattern. The luminaire 60 comprises a housing 61 and a light source unit 63.

[0025] The actuator 80 is individually connected to the respective housings 61 of the luminaires 60 and 70, and is configured to adjust the vertical and horizontal tilt of the respective light source units 63 of the luminaires 60 and 70. The actuator 80 allows the vertical tilt of each light source unit 63 to change within a range of 0.01 to 5 degrees, and the horizontal tilt of each light source unit 63 to change within a range of 1 to 30 degrees. In accordance with the change in the tilt of each light source unit 63, the vertical and horizontal tilt of the light emitted from the luminaires 60 and 70, as well as the vertical and horizontal tilt of the additional light distribution pattern and the low beam light distribution pattern, change. Alternatively, the actuator 80 may be connected to brackets supporting the respective housings 61 of the luminaires 60 and 70, and the vertical and horizontal tilt of each light source unit 63 of the luminaires 60 and 70 may be adjusted simultaneously by adjusting the vertical and horizontal tilt of the brackets.

[0026] Memory ME is configured to record information and to allow the recorded information to be read. Memory ME is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and semiconductor recording media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory) are preferred, but it can include any type of recording medium such as optical recording media or magnetic recording media. Note that "non-transitory" recording media includes all computer-readable recording media except transient propagation signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Memory ME may be provided inside the control unit CO.

[0027] The control unit CO 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 CO may or may not use a machine learning machine. The control unit CO controls several components of the vehicle headlight 20. The control unit CO of one lighting unit 40 is electrically connected to the control unit CO of the other lighting unit 40. Each control unit CO may be electrically connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown), or they may be connected to each other via an ECU.

[0028] The control unit CO is electrically connected to two actuators 80 and controls them to individually adjust the vertical and horizontal tilt of the two light source units 63. By adjusting these tilts, the vertical and horizontal tilt of the light emitted from the left and right lamps 60 and 70, as well as the vertical and horizontal tilt of the additional light distribution pattern and the low beam light distribution pattern, are adjusted as described above.

[0029] The detection device 30 is mounted between a pair of housings 50 at the front of the vehicle 10. The detection device 30 includes a camera that photographs the area in front of the vehicle 10 and a sensor that detects objects present in front of the vehicle 10. For example, the camera may be a CMOS (Complementary metal oxide semiconductor) camera, and the sensor may be a millimeter-wave radar. The millimeter-wave radar emits millimeter waves forward and receives millimeter waves reflected by other vehicles as objects. The detection device 30 outputs signals related to the image captured by the camera and signals from the sensor to the control unit CO. From these signals, the control unit CO detects the presence of other vehicles, the position of those other vehicles relative to the vehicle 10, and the distance from the vehicle 10 to the other vehicles. The detection device 30 may also be electrically connected to the control unit CO via an ECU, and the signals from the detection device 30 may be input to the control unit CO via the ECU.

[0030] Next, the light source units 63 of the luminaires 60 and 70 will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing the light source unit 63 of the luminaire 60. The light source unit 63 comprises a plurality of light-emitting units 65 and a circuit board 67 on which the light-emitting units 65 are mounted. Examples of each light-emitting unit 65 include LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The light-emitting units 65 of the luminaire 60 are arranged in a matrix and are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions. There are 256 light-emitting units 65 in the horizontal direction and 64 in the vertical direction, but the number is not particularly limited. These light-emitting units 65 are micro-LEDs, and it is preferable that they are so-called micro-LED arrays. On the other hand, the light-emitting units 65 of the luminaire 70 are arranged in an array in a single row in the horizontal direction, although this will not be explained by illustration. There are 10 light-emitting units 65 in the horizontal direction, but the number is not particularly limited. These light-emitting units 65 are generally rectangular LEDs with an elongated emission surface in the vertical direction. These light-emitting units 65 are preferably so-called LED arrays. Note that the light-emitting unit 65 of the luminaire 70 may be a single, generally rectangular LED with a long, horizontally elongated emission surface. Figure 1 shows a simplified illustration of the light-emitting units 65 of the luminaires 60 and 70 arranged as described above, for clarity.

[0031] The circuit board 67 is electrically connected to a power supply unit (not shown), which is electrically connected to the control unit CO. When the control unit CO receives a control signal from a light switch (not shown), it selects a light-emitting unit 65 and starts supplying current to the light-emitting unit 65 via the power supply unit and the circuit board 67. As a result, the light-emitting unit 65 emits light forward. Each of these light-emitting units 65 is a light-emitting unit that emits light on its own. The control unit CO also controls the current supplied to the light-emitting unit 65 via the power supply unit and the circuit board 67. The power to the light-emitting unit 65 is controlled by controlling the current. This adjusts the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 65. When the low beam is emitted, if the light-emitting unit 65 is selected and the amount of light emitted is adjusted in the left and right lamps 70, the light distribution pattern of the low beam formed by the light emitted from the pair of lamp units 40 changes, and the light intensity distribution in the low beam light distribution pattern is adjusted. Furthermore, when the high beam is emitted, light is emitted from the left and right lamps 60 and 70, and an additional light distribution pattern is projected along with the low beam light distribution pattern. When the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting part 65 of lamp 60 is adjusted, the additional light distribution pattern changes, and the intensity distribution of light in the additional light distribution pattern is adjusted.

[0032] Each light-emitting unit 65 generates heat when it emits light. The heat from each light-emitting unit 65 is transferred to the circuit board 67. The greater the power supplied, the greater the amount of light emitted and the amount of heat generated by each light-emitting unit 65, and the higher the temperature of the light source unit 63. However, since the amount of heat generated by the circuit board 67 is very small compared to the total amount of heat generated by the light-emitting units 65, the temperature of the light source unit 63 can be considered to be based on the total amount of heat generated by the light-emitting units 65.

[0033] The temperature sensor 90 is mounted on the circuit board 67 and estimates the temperature of the light source unit 63. An example of such a temperature sensor 90 is a thermistor. The temperature sensor 90 is electrically connected to the control unit CO via the circuit board 67 and outputs a temperature signal related to the estimated temperature to the control unit CO. The configuration and mounting position of the temperature sensor 90 are not particularly limited as long as the temperature sensor 90 can estimate the temperature of the light source unit 63. For example, the temperature sensor 90 may be placed in the housing space of the housing 61, attached to each light-emitting unit 65, or mounted on another circuit board electrically connected to the circuit board 67.

[0034] When a temperature signal is input to the control unit CO, the control unit CO does not perform temperature derating on the light-emitting unit 65 if the temperature T indicated by the temperature signal is less than temperature T1, and performs temperature derating on the light-emitting unit 65 if temperature T is equal to or greater than temperature T1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, temperature derating is not performed on each of the left and right light-emitting units 65 based on the temperature of the light source unit 63 of one of the luminaires 60. In this embodiment, temperature derating is performed on the light-emitting unit 65 of one of the luminaires 60 based on the temperature of the light source unit 63 of one of the luminaires 60, and on the light-emitting unit 65 of the other luminaire 60 based on the temperature of the light source unit 63 of the other luminaire 60. In addition, temperature derating is performed on the light-emitting unit 65 of one of the luminaires 70 based on the temperature of the light source unit 63 of one of the luminaires 70, and on the light-emitting unit 65 of the other luminaire 70 based on the temperature of the light source unit 63 of the other luminaire 70. In other words, temperature derating is performed individually on each light-emitting unit 65 based on the temperature of each light source unit 63. Temperature T is the estimated temperature of the light source unit 63, and temperature T1 is a predetermined value, such as 80°C, which is the temperature at which temperature derating begins.

[0035] When the temperature T is T1, the control unit CO supplies power E1 to the light-emitting unit 65 that is less than the power supplied if temperature derating were not performed. In this case, the control unit CO supplies power E1 to the light-emitting unit 65 among the multiple light-emitting units 65 that is supplied with power greater than power E1, thereby reducing the power supplied to that light-emitting unit 65. Also, when the temperature T is higher than the temperature T1, the control unit CO supplies power E2 to the light-emitting unit 65 that is less than power E1. In this case, the control unit CO supplies power E2 to the light-emitting unit 65 among the multiple light-emitting units 65 that is supplied with power greater than power E2, thereby reducing the power supplied to that light-emitting unit 65. If the temperature T1 is 80°C, then the temperature T2 is, for example, 120°C. When the temperature T is greater than the temperature T1 and less than the temperature T2, the control unit CO supplies power to the light-emitting unit 65 that is less than power E1 and greater than power E2. When the temperature T is above temperature T2, the control unit CO supplies power E2 to the light-emitting unit 65, for example, to avoid turning off the lights. In this way, the control unit CO controls the power E according to the temperature T when the temperature T is above temperature T1. When the power E decreases, the amount of light emitted and the amount of heat generated by each light-emitting unit 65 decreases, and the temperature of the light source unit 63 decreases.

[0036] Next, the high-beam light distribution patterns formed by the light from the respective luminaires 60 and 70 of the pair of luminaire units 40 will be described. In the following description, one luminaire unit 40 is assumed to be located on the left and the other luminaire unit 40 on the right, but they may be positioned on opposite sides. Figure 3(A) shows one light distribution pattern 230A, 230L formed by the light from the luminaires 60 and 70 of one luminaire unit 40, and Figure 3(B) shows the other light distribution pattern 250A, 250L formed by the light from the luminaires 60 and 70 of the other luminaire unit 40. Figure 3(C) shows the light distribution patterns 200A, 200L. Light distribution pattern 200A is an additional light distribution pattern formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern 230A shown in Figure 3(A) and the light distribution pattern 250A shown in Figure 3(B). Light distribution pattern 230A is formed by light from the left luminaire 60, and light distribution pattern 250A is formed by light from the right luminaire 60. Light distribution pattern 200L is a low beam light distribution pattern formed by superimposing light distribution pattern 230L shown in Figure 3(A) and light distribution pattern 250L shown in Figure 3(B). Light distribution pattern 230L is formed by light from the left luminaire 70, and light distribution pattern 250L is formed by light from the right luminaire 70. Light distribution patterns 200A and 200L form the high beam light distribution pattern.

[0037] Each of the above light distribution patterns refers to both the shape of the image formed on a virtual vertical screen, for example, 25m in front of the vehicle 10, and the light intensity distribution in that image. The left-right center of light distribution patterns 230A and 230L is located to the left of the V line, and the left-right center of light distribution patterns 250A and 250L is located to the right of the V line. The left-right center of light distribution patterns 200A and 200L is located on the V line. Light distribution patterns 230A and 230L are located at approximately the same height as light distribution patterns 250A and 250L, and are located to the left of light distribution patterns 250A and 250L. Furthermore, light distribution pattern 230A is formed shifted to the left of light distribution pattern 250A so that its left edge does not overlap with light distribution pattern 250A, and its right edge does not overlap with light distribution pattern 230A. Therefore, each of the light distribution patterns 230A and 250A includes an overlapping region 271 where they overlap each other, and a non-overlapping region 273 where they do not overlap. The non-overlapping region 273 of light distribution pattern 230A can be considered, from a human perspective, as an area where the light emitted from the other luminaire 60 does not overlap, and the non-overlapping region 273 of light distribution pattern 250A can be considered, from a human perspective, as an area where the light emitted from one of the luminaires 60 does not overlap. In addition, each of the light distribution patterns 230L and 250L is offset as described above and includes an overlapping region and a non-overlapping region. For clarity in the illustration, the symbols for the overlapping region and the non-overlapping region have been omitted.

[0038] In each of the light distribution patterns 230A and 250A, the regions with the highest light intensity are called regions 231 and 251. The positions of regions 231 and 251 shown in Figure 3 are, for example, the positions when the vehicle 10 is moving in a straight line. In this state, regions 231 and 251 are located on the V line and overlap with each other in light distribution pattern 200A. In light distribution patterns 230A, 250A, and 200A, the intensity gradually decreases as you move away from regions 231 and 251. Therefore, in light distribution patterns 230A, 250A, and 200A, the edges are darker than the regions 231 and 251. In regions 231 and 251, the light-emitting unit 65 that emits the light forming regions 231 and 251, that is, the light-emitting unit 65 that emits the light with the highest intensity, is supplied with the most power, and this light-emitting unit 65 generates the most heat. Furthermore, the further away the light-emitting part 65 is from the light-emitting part 65, the less power is supplied and the less heat is generated.

[0039] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlight 20 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the vehicle headlight 20. As shown in Figure 4, the operation of the vehicle headlight 20 includes, but is not limited to, steps SP11 to SP13. In the initial state shown in Figure 4, light is emitted from the left and right lamps 60 and 70, forming light distribution patterns 200A and 200L. Also in the initial state, a temperature sensor 90 in each of the left and right lamps 60 estimates the temperature of the light source unit 63, and the temperature signal is input to the respective left and right control units CO.

[0040] (Step SP11) In this step, each left and right control unit CO repeats step SP11 if the temperature T indicated by the temperature signals from the left and right temperature sensors 90 for each of the left and right luminaires 60 is less than temperature T1. Although not shown in the figures, each left and right control unit CO also performs temperature derating individually on each of the left and right luminaires 60 if the temperature T indicated by their respective temperature signals is T1 or greater, and terminates the control flow. Furthermore, each left and right control unit CO proceeds to step SP12 if the temperature T in either the left or right luminaire 60 is T1 or greater. In the following explanation, it is assumed that temperature derating is performed on one light-emitting unit 65 because the temperature T of one light-emitting unit 63 is T1 or greater, and temperature derating is not performed on the other light-emitting unit 65 because the temperature T of the other light-emitting unit 63 is less than T1. In each of the following steps, the control unit CO will be described as the other control unit CO unless otherwise specified.

[0041] (Step SP12) In this step, if temperature derating as described in step SP13 is performed, the control unit CO moves region 251 closer to a predetermined region in one of the light distribution patterns 230A, which will be described later, before the temperature derating is performed. This predetermined region will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0042] Figure 5(A) shows the position of a predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 230A, and Figure 5(B) shows an example of bringing region 251 closer to the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 250A. Figure 5(C) shows the light distribution pattern 200A formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern 230A shown in Figure 5(A) and the light distribution pattern 250A shown in Figure 5(B). In the light distribution pattern 230A of this embodiment, the left and right edges tend to be darker than the region 231 side. When temperature derating is performed on one of the light sources 63, region 231 becomes darker, and consequently, the left and right edges of the light distribution pattern 230A also become darker. The predetermined region 233 shown in Figure 5(A) is a part of the region other than region 231 that becomes darker due to temperature derating. In this embodiment, region 231 is located towards the right edge of the light distribution pattern 230A in the left-right direction. Therefore, the left edge of the light distribution pattern 230A tends to have a larger area that is darker than the right edge. For this reason, the predetermined region 233 in this embodiment will be described as being located to the left of region 231. In this step, a signal related to the predetermined region 233 is input from one control unit CO to the other control unit CO. The signal includes information such as the occurrence of the predetermined region 233, the position of the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 200A, the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 after temperature derating, and the amount of decrease in light intensity of the predetermined region 233 due to temperature derating. The input of the signal allows the other control unit CO to be considered to have grasped this information. In this step, since it is before temperature derating, the predetermined region 233 is shown with a dashed line. The light intensity in the predetermined region 233 decreases when temperature derating is performed, and becomes lower than the light intensity in region 231, where the intensity decreases due to temperature derating. Therefore, when temperature derating is performed, it can be considered that the light intensity in a part of the predetermined region 233 of one of the light distribution patterns 230A decreases due to a decrease in the amount of light emitted from a part of the light-emitting part 65 of one of the luminaires 60.

[0043] As will be described later, in this step, the light distribution pattern 250A swivels to the left, as shown in Figure 5(B). Therefore, compared to before the swivel shown in Figure 3, the superimposed region 271 becomes longer on both the left and right sides in this step, and each of the non-superimposed regions 273 becomes shorter on both the left and right sides. In this step, the predetermined region 233 is described as being located in the superimposed region 271 before the swivel shown in Figure 3. In Figure 5, for ease of viewing, the illustration of the superimposed region 271 and non-superimposed region 273 before the swivel shown in Figure 3 is omitted.

[0044] In this step, the control unit CO swivels the housing 61 of the other light fixture 60 to the left using the actuator 80 of the other light fixture 60. As a result, the light distribution pattern 250A swivels to the left, as shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(C), without changing the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern 250A, and region 251 approaches the predetermined region 233. The swivel of the light distribution pattern 250A by the actuator 80 is sometimes called mechanical swivel. It is preferable that region 251 overlaps with and coincides with the predetermined region 233. In Figures 5(B) and 5(C), the light distribution pattern 250A and region 251 after movement are shown with solid lines, and their respective states before movement are shown with dashed lines. Also, in Figure 5(C), the illustration of region 231 is omitted for clarity. In the predetermined region 233, the left edge, which is furthest from region 231, is darker than the right edge. Therefore, it is preferable that region 251 approaches the left edge of the predetermined region 233 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that region 251 is located at the same position as the left edge of the predetermined region 233 in the left-right direction. Thus, in this step, the control unit CO changes the direction of the light emitted from the light source unit 63 of the other luminaire 60 using the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 60 so that region 251, which has the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250A, approaches the predetermined region 233. In this configuration, the actuator 80 causes the other light distribution pattern 250A to swivel relative to the one light distribution pattern 230A so that region 251 in the other light distribution pattern 250A approaches the predetermined region 233. Therefore, even if the amount of light emitted from the other luminaire 60 is already at its maximum, the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200A can be brightened.

[0045] In this step, the housing 61 of one of the luminaires 60, the housings 61 of the pair of luminaires 70, and the light distribution patterns 230A, 230L, and 250L are not swivelable.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit CO may superimpose the entire light distribution pattern 250A onto the entire light distribution pattern 230A by swiveling the actuator 80 so that no non-overlapping region 273 is provided. Therefore, even if the predetermined region 233 is located in the non-overlapping region 273 before swiveling, or even if it is located across the overlapping region 271 and the non-overlapping region 273 before swiveling, region 251 may approach the left edge of the predetermined region 233. Consequently, the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200A may become brighter.

[0047] Incidentally, if the predetermined region 233 is located in the superimposed region 271 before swiveling, the control unit CO may switch the light-emitting unit 65 in this step. This switching will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(A) shows the position of the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 230A, and Figure 6(B) shows another example of bringing region 251 closer to the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 250A. Figure 6(C) shows the light distribution pattern 200A formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern 230A shown in Figure 6(A) and the light distribution pattern 250A shown in Figure 6(B). Each light distribution pattern shown in Figure 6 is located in the same position as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 6(C), the region 231 is omitted from the illustration for clarity. As shown in Figures 6(B) and 6(C), in this step, the control unit CO may switch the light-emitting unit 65 that emits the highest intensity light in the other light fixture 60 to another light-emitting unit 65 so that the region 251 with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250A swivels to the left and approaches the predetermined region 233. In this case, the actuator 80 of the other light fixture 60 is not driven, and the light distribution pattern 250A does not swivel mechanically. However, the above switching changes the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern 250A, and region 251 approaches the predetermined region 233. The swivel of region 251 due to the switching of the light-emitting unit 65 is sometimes called electronic swivel. In this configuration, the switching of the light-emitting unit 65 causes the other light distribution pattern 250A to swivel relative to the other light distribution pattern 230A so that region 251 in the other light distribution pattern 250A approaches the predetermined region 233. In this case, the other light distribution pattern 250A can be swiveled in a shorter time than when it is mechanically swiveled relative to the other light distribution pattern 230A by the actuator 80. Therefore, the area where the predetermined area 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200A can be illuminated in a shorter time. Note that in Figure 6, the housings 61 of the pair of luminaires 60, the housings 61 of the pair of luminaires 70, and the light distribution patterns 230A, 230L, and 250L also do not move.

[0048] Whether using the actuator 80 or switching the light-emitting unit 65, the control unit CO may, when the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 decreases, move region 251 in the other light distribution pattern 250A closer to the predetermined region 233 so that the light intensity in the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200A increases by the amount by which the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 decreases. With this configuration, the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern 200A becomes brighter compared to when the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 does not increase by the amount by which the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 decreases, thereby suppressing a decrease in forward visibility. Furthermore, when the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 decreases, the control unit CO may move region 251 in the other light distribution pattern 250A closer to the predetermined region 233 so that the amount of increase in light intensity in the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the predetermined light distribution pattern 200A is greater than the amount of decrease in the light intensity of the predetermined region 233.

[0049] In this step, the control unit CO may increase the amount of movement of region 251 according to the travel speed of the vehicle 10. In this case, for example, information related to speed is input to the control unit CO from the vehicle 10's ECU, and the control unit CO uses that information.

[0050] Furthermore, in this step, the control unit CO may increase the amount of movement of region 251 according to the distance between other vehicles and vehicle 10. If there are multiple other vehicles, the vehicle closest to vehicle 10 is used. The control unit CO calculates the distance between other vehicles and vehicle 10 from the signals of the camera and sensor of the detection device 30. The control unit CO may also calculate the distance by other methods.

[0051] As described above, in this step, if the light intensity of a predetermined region 233 in one of the light distribution patterns 230A decreases due to a decrease in the amount of light emitted from a part of the light-emitting part 65 of one of the luminaires 60, the control unit CO moves the region 251 with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250A closer to the predetermined region 233. When region 251 approaches the predetermined region 233, the left and right control units CO advance the control flow to step SP13.

[0052] (Step SP13) In this step, one control unit CO performs temperature derating on the light source unit 63 of one of the luminaires 60. This reduces the amount of heat generated by the light source unit 63, causing its temperature to drop. Additionally, the amount of light emitted from a portion of the light-emitting units 65 of one of the luminaires 60 decreases. In this embodiment, a portion of the light-emitting units 65 includes a light-emitting unit 65 that emits light to form a region 231 or a predetermined region 233.

[0053] When one of the control units CO performs temperature derating, the light intensity in the predetermined region 233 decreases, and the predetermined region 233 becomes darker. As explained in step SP12, region 231 in the light distribution pattern 250A is already approaching the predetermined region 233, which has become darker. Therefore, in the region of the light distribution pattern 200A where the predetermined region 233 is located, the decrease in brightness is suppressed even when temperature derating is performed.

[0054] Step SP13 may be performed during step SP12. Alternatively, step SP13 may be performed simultaneously with the start of step SP12 or, for example, 1 second after the start. Furthermore, step SP13 may be performed simultaneously with the end of step SP12 or, for example, 1 second after the end. Also, step SP13 may be completed before step SP12. In addition, the order of steps SP12 and SP13 may be reversed.

[0055] When the control unit CO performs temperature derating, the control flow ends.

[0056] As described above, in the vehicle headlight 20 of this embodiment, if the light intensity of a predetermined area 233 of one of the light distribution patterns 230A formed by one of the lamps 60 decreases due to a decrease in the amount of light emitted from a part of the light-emitting part 65 of one of the lamps 60, the other control unit CO moves the area 231 with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250A formed by the other lamp 60 closer to the predetermined area 233.

[0057] In this vehicle headlight 20, if the amount of light emitted from a portion of the light-emitting portion 65 of one lamp 60 decreases, causing a decrease in the light intensity of a certain predetermined area 233 in one light distribution pattern 230A, the predetermined area 233 becomes darker, and the area in the light distribution pattern 200A where the predetermined area 233 is located becomes darker. Therefore, in this vehicle headlight 20, the other control unit CO moves the area 231 with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250A closer to the predetermined area 233. When the area 231 in the other light distribution pattern 250A moves closer to the predetermined area 233, the area in the light distribution pattern 200A where the predetermined area 233 is located may become brighter than when that area does not move closer to the predetermined area 233. Consequently, brightness is compensated for in the area in the light distribution pattern 200A where the predetermined area 233 is located, and a decrease in forward visibility can be suppressed.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the light intensity in a predetermined region 233 decreases, one control unit CO performs temperature derating on the light source unit 63 of one of the luminaires 60. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0059] For example, if the light intensity of a predetermined region 233 decreases, it may be because the light-emitting part 65 of one of the luminaires 60 that is supposed to emit light toward the predetermined region 233 does not emit light. In this case, for example, the light-emitting part 65 that is supposed to emit light toward the predetermined region 233 may be malfunctioning or otherwise abnormal. When the light-emitting part 65 is abnormal, the power decreases compared to when this light-emitting part 65 emits light. One control unit CO recognizes that the light-emitting part 65 is not emitting light due to the decrease in power, and identifies which of the multiple light-emitting parts 65 is abnormal. Then, one control unit CO outputs a signal to the other control unit CO. This signal includes information such as the position of the light distribution pattern 200A of the predetermined region 233 caused by the abnormal light-emitting part 65, the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 after the power decrease, and the amount of decrease in the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 due to the power decrease. Then, the other control unit CO proceeds the control flow to step SP12. In step SP12, the control flow should end when the other control unit CO brings region 251 in the other light distribution pattern 250A closer to a predetermined region 233.

[0060] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0061] Figure 7(A) shows region 235 in the light distribution pattern 230L in this modified example, and Figure 7(B) shows region 255 in the light distribution pattern 250L in this modified example. Figure 7(C) shows the low beam light distribution pattern 200L formed by the superposition of the light distribution pattern 230L shown in Figure 7(A) and the light distribution pattern 250L shown in Figure 7(B). Regions 235 and 255 are the regions with the highest light intensity in the respective light distribution patterns 230L and 250L. Regions 235 and 255 are located below the upper edges of the light distribution patterns 230L and 250L where they are located on the V line, and are described as overlapping with each other in the light distribution pattern 200L.

[0062] Next, the flowchart of this modification will be described. The flowchart of this modification includes steps SP11 to SP13, similar to the embodiment, but the content is different. In step SP11, the left and right control units CO proceed with the control flow based on the respective temperatures of the left and right luminaires 60 in the embodiment, but in this modification, the control flow proceeds based on the respective temperatures of the left and right luminaires 70, which is a difference. In the following description, it will be assumed that temperature derating is performed on the light-emitting part 65 of one luminaire 70, and temperature derating is not performed on the light-emitting part 65 of the other luminaire 70. In each of the following steps, the control unit CO will be described as the other control unit CO unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Figure 8(A) shows the position of a predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 230L, and Figure 5(B) shows an example of bringing region 255 closer to the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 250L. Figure 8(C) shows the light distribution pattern 200L formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern 230L shown in Figure 8(A) and the light distribution pattern 250L shown in Figure 8(B). In the light distribution pattern 230L of this modified example, the upper and lower edges tend to be darker than the region 231 side. When temperature derating is performed on the light source part 63 of one of the luminaires 70, region 235 becomes darker, and consequently, the upper and lower edges of the light distribution pattern 230L also become darker. The predetermined region 233 shown in Figure 8(A) is a part of the region other than region 235 that becomes darker due to temperature derating. In this modified example, the predetermined region 233 is described as being located above region 231 in the vertical direction, around the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 230L, which is the cut line. Furthermore, in this step, the predetermined region 233 is described as being located in the superimposed region 271 before and after the leveling shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this step, as in the embodiment, the signal related to the predetermined region 233 is input from one control unit CO to the other control unit CO.

[0064] In step SP12, the control unit CO causes the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 70 to level the housing 61 of the other luminaire 70 upward. As a result, the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern 250L remains unchanged, and the light distribution pattern 250L is leveled upward as shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(C), causing region 255 to approach the predetermined region 233. Leveling of the light distribution pattern 250L by the actuator 80 is sometimes called mechanical leveling. It is preferable that region 255 overlaps with and coincides with the predetermined region 233 in the vertical direction. In Figures 8(B) and 8(C), the light distribution pattern 250L and region 255 after movement are shown with solid lines, and their respective states before movement are shown with dashed lines. In Figure 8(C), the illustration of region 235 is omitted for clarity. In the predetermined region 233, the upper edge, which is furthest from region 231, is darker than the lower edge. Therefore, it is preferable that region 255 approaches the upper edge of the predetermined region 233 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that region 255 is located at the same position as the upper edge of the predetermined region 233 in the vertical direction. Thus, in this step, the control unit CO changes the direction of the light emitted from the light source unit 63 of the other luminaire 70 using the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 70 so that region 255, where the light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250L is highest, approaches the predetermined region 233. In this configuration, the actuator 80 levels the other light distribution pattern 250L with respect to the one light distribution pattern 230L so that region 255 in the other light distribution pattern 250L approaches the predetermined region 233. Therefore, even if the amount of light emitted from the other luminaire 60 is already at its maximum, the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200L can be brightened.

[0065] In this step, the housing 61 of one of the luminaires 70, the housings 61 of the pair of luminaires 60, and the light distribution pattern 230L are not swivelable.

[0066] Incidentally, the light-emitting part 65 of the luminaire 70 in this modified example may be a so-called micro-LED array. In this case, if the predetermined region 233 is located in the superimposed region 271 before leveling, the control unit CO may switch the light-emitting part 65 in this step. This switching will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9(A) shows the position of the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 230L, and Figure 9(B) shows another example of bringing region 255 closer to the predetermined region 233 in the light distribution pattern 250L. Also, Figure 9(C) shows the light distribution pattern 200L formed by superimposing the light distribution pattern 230L shown in Figure 9(A) and the light distribution pattern 250L shown in Figure 9(B). Each light distribution pattern shown in Figure 9 is located in the same position as shown in Figure 7. In Figure 9(C), the illustration of region 235 is omitted for clarity. As shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), in this step, the control unit CO may switch the light-emitting unit 65 that emits the highest intensity light in the other light distribution pattern 250L to another light-emitting unit 65 so that the region 255 with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern 250L swivels upward and approaches the predetermined region 233. In this case, the actuator 80 of the other light distribution unit 70 is not driven, and the light distribution pattern 250L is not mechanically leveled. However, the above switching changes the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern 250L, and region 255 approaches the predetermined region 233. Leveling of region 255 by switching the light-emitting unit 65 is sometimes called electronic leveling. In this configuration, by switching the light-emitting unit 65, the other light distribution pattern 250L levels with respect to the other light distribution pattern 230L so that region 255 in the other light distribution pattern 250L approaches the predetermined region 233. In this case, the other light distribution pattern 250L can be leveled in a shorter time than when it is mechanically leveled relative to the other light distribution pattern 230L by the actuator 80. Therefore, the area where the predetermined area 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200L can be brightened in a shorter time. Note that in Figure 9, the housing 61 of the pair of luminaires 70 and the light distribution pattern 230L also do not move.

[0067] In this modified example as well, whether the actuator 80 is used or the light-emitting unit 65 is switched, the control unit CO may, as in the embodiment, move region 255 in the other light distribution pattern 250L closer to the predetermined region 233 so that the light intensity in the region where the predetermined region 233 is located in the light distribution pattern 200L increases by the amount that the light intensity in the predetermined region 233 decreases.

[0068] Furthermore, in this step, similar to the embodiment, the control unit CO may increase the amount of movement of region 255 according to the travel speed of vehicle 10. Also, the control unit CO may increase the amount of movement of region 251 according to the distance between other vehicles and vehicle 10.

[0069] In step SP13, one control unit CO performs temperature derating on the light source unit 63 of one of the luminaires 70. This reduces the amount of heat generated by the light source unit 63, causing its temperature to drop. Additionally, the amount of light emitted from a portion of the light-emitting units 65 of one of the luminaires 70 decreases. In this embodiment, the portion of the light-emitting units 65 includes light-emitting units 65 that emit light forming a region 235 or a predetermined region 233. Once one of the control units CO performs temperature derating, the control flow ends.

[0070] In this modified example, as in the embodiment, if the light intensity of the predetermined region 233 decreases, the light-emitting part 65 of one of the lamps 70 that is supposed to emit light toward the predetermined region 233 may not emit light.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0072] In this embodiment, the predetermined region 233 is described as being located to the left of region 231, but it may be located to the right or above / below region 231. If the predetermined region 233 is located above or below region 231, as described in the modified example, the control unit CO causes the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 60 to level the housing 61 of the other luminaire 60 vertically. As a result, the light distribution pattern 250A is leveled vertically without changing the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern 250A, and region 251 approaches the predetermined region 233. Alternatively, the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 60 may not be driven, and the control unit CO may switch the light-emitting unit 65 that emits the highest intensity light in the other luminaire 60 to another light-emitting unit 65 so that the region 251 with the highest light intensity in the light distribution pattern 250A of the other luminaire is leveled vertically and approaches the predetermined region 233.

[0073] In the modified example, the predetermined region 233 was described as being located above region 235, but it may also be located below or to the left or right. When the predetermined region 233 is located to the left or right of region 235, as described in the embodiment, the control unit CO causes the housing 61 of the other luminaire 70 to swivel left or right using the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 70. As a result, the light distribution pattern 250L swivels left or right without changing the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern 250L, and region 255 approaches the predetermined region 233. Alternatively, the actuator 80 of the other luminaire 70 may not be driven, and the control unit CO may switch the light-emitting unit 65 that emits the highest intensity light in the other luminaire 60 to another light-emitting unit 65 so that region 255, where the light intensity in the light distribution pattern 250L of the other luminaire is highest, swivels left or right and approaches the predetermined region 233.

[0074] The control unit CO may perform both swivel and leveling in the additional light distribution pattern described in the embodiment and leveling and swivel in the low beam light distribution pattern described in the modified example.

[0075] The control unit CO is provided for each of the pair of lighting units 40, but it is also possible to have one control unit CO for the pair of lighting units 40, with one control unit CO controlling the left and right lighting fixtures 60 and 70 respectively.

[0076] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 90 is positioned away from each light-emitting unit 65, and the temperature of the heat from the light-emitting unit 65 may decrease before it reaches the temperature sensor 90. Therefore, the control unit CO may estimate the temperature of the light source unit 63 based on the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 90 and the distance between each light-emitting unit 65 and the temperature sensor 90. Alternatively, the control unit CO may estimate the temperature of the light source unit 63 based on the power consumption of each light-emitting unit 65.

[0077] For example, the light-emitting unit 65 can be any light-emitting unit that emits light on its own, and may be a light-emitting unit other than an LED or LD. In this case, the control unit CO may control the voltage to each light-emitting unit 65 instead of controlling the current. By controlling the voltage, the power to each light-emitting unit 65 is controlled. This adjusts the amount of light emitted from each light-emitting unit 65, and thus adjusts the light intensity distribution in the light distribution pattern.

[0078] The luminaire 60 may be configured to use an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) to diffract light emitted from a light source, form a desired light distribution pattern, and emit it forward. Alternatively, the luminaire 60 may be configured to reflect light emitted from a light source using a DMD (Digital Mirror Device), or to transmit light emitted from a light source 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.

[0079] Either one of the luminaires 60 or 70 may be a micro-LED array, and the other may be an LED array or an LED that is generally rectangular in shape with an elongated emission surface in the left-right direction. Alternatively, both luminaires 60 and 70 may be micro-LED arrays, LED arrays, or rectangular LEDs. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlight is provided that can suppress the reduction in forward visibility and can be used in fields such as automobiles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 20. Vehicle headlights 60,70...Lighting equipment 63...Light source section 65...Light-emitting part CO... Command

Claims

1. A pair of lamps, each positioned on the left and right sides of the vehicle, each containing a light source with multiple light-emitting parts, Control unit and Equipped with, If the light intensity of a predetermined area in one of the light distribution patterns formed by one of the light fixtures decreases due to a decrease in the amount of light emitted from a part of the light-emitting part of one of the light fixtures, the control unit switches the light-emitting part that emits the most intense light in the other light fixture to another light-emitting part so that the light distribution pattern formed by the other light fixture does not move and the area with the highest light intensity within the other light distribution pattern approaches the predetermined area. A vehicle headlight characterized by the following features.

2. If the intensity of the light in the predetermined area decreases, the control unit performs temperature derating on the light source of one of the lamps. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

3. The decrease in the intensity of the light in the predetermined region occurs when the light-emitting part of one of the lamps, which is supposed to emit light toward the predetermined region, fails to emit light. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

4. When the intensity of light in the predetermined region decreases, the control unit moves the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern closer to the predetermined region so that the intensity of light in the predetermined region increases by the amount by which the intensity of light in the predetermined region decreased. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

5. When the intensity of the light in the predetermined region decreases, the control unit adjusts the region with the highest light intensity in the other light distribution pattern to coincide with the predetermined region. The vehicle headlight according to feature 1.

Images