Vehicle headlight

Abstract

A vehicle headlight (1L), (1R) comprises a low-beam light source unit (30), and a first light source unit (10) that emits light forming a first additional light distribution pattern (10PT) in a region including the upper end of a low-beam light distribution pattern and the upper side thereof. The first light source unit (10) has: an upper light source unit (10U) in which a plurality of light source parts (11)-(14) are arranged side by side, and light distribution patterns (11PT)-(14PT) formed by light emitted from the light source parts (11)-(14) are aligned in the left-right direction; and a lower light source unit (10L) which is disposed below the upper light source unit (10U), and in which a plurality of light source parts (15) to (19) are arranged side by side and light distribution patterns (15PT)-(19PT) formed by light emitted from the light source parts (15)-(19) are aligned in the left-right direction. The light distribution patterns (11PT)-(14PT) and the light distribution patterns (15PT)-(19PT) overlap in the left-right direction.

Description

Vehicle headlights

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

[0002] A vehicle headlamp is known that changes the light distribution pattern of emitted light based on information from a detection device that detects other vehicles located in front of the vehicle. Such a vehicle headlamp is described in Patent Document 1 listed below.

[0003] The vehicle headlights described in Patent Document 1 listed below suppress the illumination of high beams onto other vehicles located in front of the vehicle by individually changing the amount of light emitted from multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a horizontal row in each of the left and right vehicle headlights. This technology, which illuminates high beams onto areas other than other vehicles located in front of the vehicle while suppressing the illumination of high beams onto the other vehicles, is sometimes referred to as ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-218155

[0005] Generally, a high-beam light distribution pattern is formed by adding the light distribution pattern of the upper end of the low-beam light distribution pattern and the additional high-beam portion irradiated above it to the low-beam light distribution pattern. When the additional high-beam light distribution pattern is formed using light from multiple LEDs arranged in a horizontal row as described above, adjacent light distribution patterns from adjacent LEDs may be partially overlapped to prevent gaps from forming in the light distribution pattern. In this case, there is a demand for adjusting the amount of overlap between adjacent light distribution patterns to a desired extent, thereby adjusting the brightness of a desired position in the horizontal direction of the light distribution pattern. However, when multiple LEDs are arranged in a horizontal row as in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to increase the amount of overlap, making it difficult to brighten a desired position in the horizontal direction of the additional high-beam light distribution pattern.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle headlamp that can brighten a desired position in the left-right direction in the light distribution pattern of an additional high beam portion that forms part of the high beam.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle headlamp of the present invention includes a low beam light source unit that emits light that forms a low beam light distribution pattern, and a first light source unit that emits light that forms a first additional light distribution pattern in an area that includes an upper end of the low beam light distribution pattern and an area above the low beam light distribution pattern, wherein the first light source unit includes an upper light source unit in which a plurality of light source units, each including a light-emitting element and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element, are arranged side by side, and light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and a lower light source unit that is arranged below the upper light source unit and in which a plurality of light source units, each including a light-emitting element and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element, are arranged side by side, and light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from at least some of the light source units of the upper light source unit and the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from at least some of the light source units of the lower light source unit overlap in the left-right direction.

[0008] The first additional light distribution pattern can be at least a part of the light distribution pattern of the additional high beam portion that, in combination with the low beam light distribution pattern, forms a high beam light distribution pattern. In this vehicle headlamp, the light source units of the first light source unit that emit light of the light distribution patterns that overlap in the left-right direction are divided into an upper light source unit and a lower light source unit. By overlapping the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper and lower light source units in this way in the left-right direction, the amount of overlap can be increased compared to when the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from each of the light source units aligned in the left-right direction overlap in the left-right direction. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the direction of the light emitted from the upper and lower light source units, the position where the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper and lower light source units overlap in the left-right direction can be set to a desired position. Therefore, this vehicle headlamp can illuminate a desired position in the left-right direction in the first additional light distribution pattern above the low beam.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the light distribution patterns of light emitted from one of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and that the light distribution pattern of light emitted from some of the light source units in the other of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit overlaps with at least a portion of each of the spaced apart light distribution patterns of light emitted from one of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit, and fills in the gaps between each of the spaced apart light distribution patterns.

[0010] In this way, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lower light source unit is positioned between the spaced-apart light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper light source unit, or the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the upper light source unit is positioned between the spaced-apart light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the lower light source unit, thereby making it possible to brighten positions other than the left and right ends of the first additional light distribution pattern.

[0011] In addition, in any of the above-mentioned vehicle headlamps, it is preferable that the respective light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the two or more light source units in the upper light source unit and the respective light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the two or more light source units in the lower light source unit are arranged alternately in the left-right direction while partially overlapping each other.

[0012] In this case, it is possible to brighten a section where the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the upper light source unit and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lower light source unit are arranged alternately in the left-right direction while partially overlapping each other.

[0013] Furthermore, in any of the above-described vehicle headlamps, it is preferable that a predetermined light distribution pattern formed by light irradiated by a predetermined light-emitting element and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by some of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element are positioned on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern relative to the left-right central axis of the low-beam light distribution pattern, and that the predetermined light distribution pattern is located closer to the central axis in the first additional light distribution pattern than the predetermined light distribution pattern, and that the predetermined light distribution pattern is located on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern relative to the predetermined light-emitting element and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by some of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element are positioned on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern, and that the predetermined light distribution pattern is located closer to the central axis than the predetermined light-emitting element and that the light distribution pattern is formed by light emitted by some of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element is greater than the amount of overlap between the predetermined light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by some of the light-emitting elements other than the specified light-emitting element.

[0014] With this configuration, the area of ​​the predetermined light distribution pattern located on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern can be brighter than the area of ​​the specific light distribution pattern located closer to the central axis in the left-right direction than the predetermined light distribution pattern. Therefore, this vehicle headlamp can make it easier for occupants of the vehicle to recognize oncoming vehicles and pedestrians that are positioned left-right away from the front of the vehicle.

[0015] It is also preferable that one of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit includes the specified light-emitting element, and the other of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit includes a light-emitting element that emits light that forms a light distribution pattern that overlaps with the specified light distribution pattern.

[0016] By separating a predetermined light-emitting element and a light-emitting element that emits light to form a light distribution pattern that overlaps with the predetermined light distribution pattern into an upper light source section and a lower light source section, the amount of overlap in the predetermined light distribution pattern can be increased, and the predetermined light distribution pattern can be made brighter.

[0017] It is also preferable to further include a second light source unit that emits light that forms a second additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with a portion of the first additional light distribution pattern and is located at the upper end of the low beam light distribution pattern and above the low beam light distribution pattern and in an area including the central axis.

[0018] In this case, the second additional light distribution pattern can be combined with the first additional light distribution pattern to form part of the light distribution pattern of the additional high beam portion, and can brighten the upper area including the central axis in the left-right direction of the low beam light distribution pattern.

[0019] Furthermore, any of the above-described vehicle headlamps may further include a projection lens through which light emitted from the upper light source unit and light emitted from the lower light source unit passes, and in the light source unit of the upper light source unit, the light-emitting element emits light upward and the reflector reflects the light toward the projection lens, and in the light source unit of the lower light source unit, the light-emitting element emits light downward and the reflector reflects the light toward the projection lens.

[0020] In any of the above-described vehicle headlamps, it is preferable that the light source portions of the upper light source portion and the light source portions of the lower light source portion are shifted in the left-right direction.

[0021] In this case, the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light source unit of the upper light source unit and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the light source unit of the lower light source unit can be easily shifted in the left-right direction.

[0022] As described above, the present invention can provide a vehicle headlamp that can brighten a desired position in the left-right direction in the light distribution pattern of an additional high beam portion that forms part of the high beam.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle headlamp set according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the left vehicle headlamp; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first light source unit; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first light source unit; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between first additional light distribution patterns emitted from the left and right vehicle headlamp; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle headlamp; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in a first dimming state; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in a second dimming state; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the left vehicle headlamp; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between first additional light distribution patterns in the modified example emitted from the left and right vehicle headlamp.

[0024]

[0023] Below, embodiments for carrying out the vehicle headlamp according to the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments illustrated below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved from the following embodiments within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0025] First, the configuration of the vehicle headlamp of this embodiment will be described.

[0026] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle VE equipped with a vehicle headlamp set according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle VE includes a vehicle headlamp set 1, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3, and a detection device 4.

[0027] The vehicle headlamp set 1 includes a right vehicle headlamp 1R disposed in front of the vehicle VE and a left vehicle headlamp 1L disposed in front of the vehicle VE. In this embodiment, the right vehicle headlamp 1R and the left vehicle headlamp 1L have substantially the same configuration, except that they are substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on the left vehicle headlamp 1L. Note that in this embodiment, the right and left sides refer to the right and left sides when facing the direction of travel of the vehicle VE.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the left vehicle headlamp 1L of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT, a first additional light distribution pattern 10PT surrounded by dashed lines, and a second additional light distribution pattern 20PT are formed by light emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1L. The low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT is a light distribution pattern formed by light irradiated to the lower front side of the vehicle VE, and has a cut line CL at the upper end of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT. The first additional light distribution pattern 10PT is a light distribution pattern located at the upper end of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT and in an area above the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT. Details of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT will be described later. The second additional light distribution pattern 20PT is a light distribution pattern that overlaps a portion of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT and is located in an area including the upper end of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT and the central axis C of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT in the left-right direction, above the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT. In this embodiment, the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT and the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT form a light distribution pattern for an additional high-beam portion. This light distribution pattern for the additional high-beam portion is added to the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT to form a high-beam light distribution pattern. In other words, the entire light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a high-beam light distribution pattern. Note that the light distribution pattern is, for example, a light pattern drawn by light irradiated from each of the vehicle headlights 1L and 1R on a vertical plane located in front of the vehicle, and includes not only the outline of the light but also the light intensity distribution. The plane irradiated by light from each of the vehicle headlights 1L and 1R is located, for example, 25 m in front of the vehicle.

[0029] Returning to Figure 1, the vehicle headlamp 1L includes a low beam light source unit 30 that emits light to form a low beam distribution pattern, a first light source unit 10 that emits light of a first additional light distribution pattern, a second light source unit 20 that emits light of a second additional light distribution pattern, a control unit 40, and a housing 50.

[0030] The housing 50 includes a lamp housing 51 and a front cover 52 as its main components. The front of the lamp housing 51 is open, and the front cover 52 is fixed to the lamp housing 51 to close the opening. The low beam light source unit 30, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 are housed in a space formed by the lamp housing 51 and the front cover 52 that closes the front opening of the lamp housing 51. The control unit 40 may or may not be disposed in the space of the housing 50. Note that in the example of FIG. 1 , the low beam light source unit 30, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 are housed in the space of the housing 50, but the low beam light source unit 30, the first light source unit 10, and the second light source unit 20 may each be housed in a separate housing.

[0031] The low beam light source unit 30 is, for example, a PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) type light source unit and includes a low beam light source section 30LS and a projection lens 30PL. When the low beam light source unit 30 is a PES type, the low beam light source section 30LS includes, for example, a light-emitting element, a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a shade. The light-emitting element emits light, for example, upward, and the reflector reflects the light toward the projection lens 30PL in front of it. The shade cuts off a portion of the reflected light to form a cut line CL of the low beam light distribution pattern. The projection lens 30PL adjusts the divergence angle of the incident light and emits light that forms the low beam distribution pattern 30PT.

[0032] The low-beam light source unit 30 is not limited to a PES type, and may be a direct-type or parabolic type. When the low-beam light source unit 30 is a direct-type, the low-beam light source section 30LS includes, for example, a light-emitting element and a shade. A portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked by the shade, and the remaining light is incident on the projection lens 30PL. When the low-beam light source unit 30 is a parabolic type, the low-beam light source unit 30 does not need to include the projection lens 30PL. In this case, the low-beam light source unit 30 includes a light-emitting element and a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element. The reflector reflects the light so as to generate, for example, a cut line. The low-beam light source unit 30 may have a configuration other than the above, as long as it emits light of the low-beam distribution pattern 30PT.

[0033] 1, the second light source unit 20 has a second light source section 20LS and a projection lens 20PL. However, the optical design of the second light source unit 20 differs from that of the low beam light source unit 30 in that the second light source unit 20 emits light of the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. Note that the second light source unit 20 may have a different configuration from the low beam light source unit 30 as long as it emits light of the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT.

[0034] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first light source unit 10. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the first light source unit 10 includes a first light source section 10LS and a projection lens 10PL. The first light source section 10LS includes an upper light source section 10U and a lower light source section 10L.

[0035] The upper light source unit 10U includes a substrate 10UC and a plurality of light source units 11 to 14 that are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 10UC and arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The light source unit 11 includes a light-emitting element 11L and a reflector 11R. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first light source unit 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the light-emitting element 11L emits light upward, and the reflector 11R reflects the light from the light-emitting element 11L toward the projection lens 10PL. At this time, the light from the reflector 11R is condensed at the focal point F of the projection lens 10PL. The reflective surface of the reflector 11R is formed so that light propagates in this manner. The other light source units 12 to 14 include light-emitting elements 12L to 14L and reflectors 12R to 14R, and have a configuration similar to that of the light source unit 11. That is, the upper light source unit 10U includes a plurality of PES-type light sources including light-emitting elements 11L to 14L and reflectors 11R to 14R that cover the light-emitting elements 11L to 14L from above. The projection lens 10PL transmits light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U.

[0036] The lower light source unit 10L includes a substrate 10LC and a plurality of light source units 15-19 arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the lower surface of the substrate 10UC. The light source unit 15 includes a light-emitting element 15L and a reflector 15R. As shown in FIG. 4, the light-emitting element 15L emits light downward, and the reflector 15R reflects the light from the light-emitting element 15L toward the projection lens 10PL. At this time, the light from the reflector 15R is condensed at the focal point F of the projection lens 10PL. The reflective surface of the reflector 15R is formed so that the light propagates in this manner. The other light source units 16-19 include light-emitting elements 16L-19L and reflectors 16R-19R and have the same configuration as the light source unit 15. In other words, the lower light source unit 10L includes a plurality of PES-type light sources, each including light-emitting elements 15L-19L and reflectors 15R-19R covering the light-emitting elements 15L-19L from below. The projection lens 10PL transmits light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L.

[0037] In this embodiment, the light sources 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light sources 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L are offset in the left-right direction. In this example, the light source unit 19 is located on the leftmost side, and the light source unit 15 is located on the rightmost side. In this embodiment, the light sources 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light sources 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L are arranged alternately in the left-right direction while being offset in the up-down direction. Therefore, the light-emitting element 14L is located between the light-emitting elements 19L and 18L in the left-right direction, the light-emitting element 13L is located between the light-emitting elements 18L and 17L in the left-right direction, the light-emitting element 12L is located between the light-emitting elements 17L and 16L in the left-right direction, and the light-emitting element 11L is located between the light-emitting elements 16L and 15L in the left-right direction. In this way, by misaligning the light source units 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light source units 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L in the left-right direction, it is easy to misalign the light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT of the light emitted from the light source units 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light distribution patterns 15PT to 19PT of the light emitted from the light source units 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L in the left-right direction. Note that in Figure 4, for ease of understanding, the misalignment in the left-right direction between the light source units 11 to 14 and the light source units 15 to 19 is ignored.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 1 , the control unit 40 is electrically connected to the low beam light source unit 30LS of the low beam light source unit 30, the second light source unit 20LS of the second light source unit 20, and the first light source unit 10LS of the first light source unit 10. The control unit 40 is formed, for example, by an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an NC (numerical control) device. The control unit 40 may or may not use a machine learning device. The control unit 40 is also electrically connected to the ECU 3.

[0039] The ECU 3 has a configuration generally similar to that of the control unit 40, and supplies information to the vehicle headlights 1L, 1R. The ECU 3 may also perform engine control, airbag control, transmission control, and the like.

[0040] The detection device 4 includes an image acquisition unit 4A and a determination unit 4D and detects objects such as pedestrians and other vehicles located ahead of the vehicle VE. Other vehicles include leading and oncoming vehicles. The image acquisition unit 4A may be configured, for example, as a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device or a camera. When the image acquisition unit 4A is configured as a LiDAR device, the image acquisition unit 4A may scan the area ahead of the vehicle VE with a laser beam, receive the reflected laser beam, generate a signal related to the image based on the received laser beam, and output the signal to the determination unit 4D. When the image acquisition unit 4A is configured as a camera, examples of the camera include a charged coupled device (CCD) camera and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. In this case, the image acquisition unit 4A captures an image ahead of the vehicle VE and outputs a signal related to the captured image to the determination unit 4D. The determination unit 4D is electrically connected to the ECU 3 and has a configuration generally similar to that of the control unit 40, for example. The determination unit 4D determines whether an image of an object is included in the image-related signal input from the image acquisition unit 4A. If the image-related signal includes an image of an object, the determination unit 4D calculates the position coordinates of the object. If the image of the object is included, the determination unit outputs a signal including data related to the position coordinates of the object to the ECU 3.

[0041] Next, the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT will be described in more detail.

[0042] 2 is a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted from the light source unit 11, and similarly, light distribution patterns 12PT to 19PT are light distribution patterns formed by light emitted from the light source units 12 to 19, respectively. In this embodiment, the center of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp 1L is shifted to the left of the central axis C in the left-right direction of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT.

[0043] 2, light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT formed by light emitted from the light source units 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and transmitted through the projection lens 10PL partially overlap with light distribution patterns 15PT to 19PT formed by light emitted from the light source units 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L and transmitted through the projection lens 10PL. In this embodiment, the light distribution patterns 11PT to 19PT are arranged in the same left-right direction as the light source units 11 to 19. In other words, the light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT formed by light emitted from the light source units 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light distribution patterns 15PT to 19PT formed by light emitted from the light source units 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L are arranged alternately in the left-right direction while partially overlapping with each other. Therefore, it is possible to brighten a section where the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L are arranged alternately in the left-right direction while partially overlapping each other.

[0044] Since the light distribution patterns 11PT to 19PT are arranged alternately as described above, the light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT formed by the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the light distribution patterns 16PT to 18PT formed by the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L overlap with at least a portion of the spaced apart light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT formed by the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U and fill in the gaps between the spaced apart light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT. Furthermore, the light distribution patterns 15PT to 19PT formed by the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction, and the light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT formed by the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U overlap at least a portion of the spaced-apart light distribution patterns 15PT to 19PT formed by the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L and fill in the gaps between the spaced-apart light distribution patterns 15PT to 19PT. In this way, the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L is positioned between the spaced-apart light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U, or the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U is positioned between the spaced-apart light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L, thereby brightening positions in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT other than the left-right ends.

[0045] Here, with the central axis C of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT as a reference, a light distribution pattern 14PT located on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT is defined as a predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT, a light source unit that emits light that forms the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT is defined as a predetermined light source unit 14, and a light-emitting element of the predetermined light source unit 14 is defined as a predetermined light-emitting element 14L. In this case, the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT overlaps in the left-right direction with light distribution patterns 19PT and 18PT formed by light emitted by light-emitting elements 19L and 18L other than the predetermined light-emitting element 14L.

[0046] Furthermore, a light distribution pattern 17PT located closer to the central axis C than the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT is referred to as a specific light distribution pattern 17PT, a light source unit that emits light that forms the specific light distribution pattern 17PT is referred to as a specific light source unit 17, and a light-emitting element of the specific light source unit 17 is referred to as a specific light-emitting element 17L. In this case, the specific light distribution pattern 17PT overlaps in the left-right direction with light distribution patterns 13PT and 12PT formed by light emitted by light-emitting elements 13L and 12L other than the specific light-emitting element 17L.

[0047] In this manner, if the predetermined light distribution pattern is defined as light distribution pattern 14PT and the specific light distribution pattern is defined as light distribution pattern 17PT, the amount of overlap between the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT and light distribution patterns 19PT and 18PT due to light emitted by light-emitting elements 19L and 18L other than the predetermined light-emitting element 14L is greater than the amount of overlap between the specific light distribution pattern 17PT and light distribution patterns 13PT and 12PT due to light emitted by light-emitting elements 13L and 12L other than the specific light-emitting element 17L. This relationship is also true, for example, when the specific light distribution pattern is light distribution pattern 13PT or light distribution pattern 14PT. It is also true when the predetermined light distribution pattern is light distribution pattern 11PT. Alternatively, the predetermined light distribution pattern is defined as light distribution pattern 18PT or light distribution pattern 16PT, and the specific light distribution pattern is light distribution pattern 17PT, light distribution pattern 13PT, or light distribution pattern 12PT. That is, in the case of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT of this embodiment, the amount of overlap between a predetermined light distribution pattern located on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by some of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element is greater than the amount of overlap between a specific light distribution pattern located closer to the central axis C than the predetermined light distribution pattern and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by some of the light-emitting elements other than the specific light-emitting element. Therefore, the area of ​​the specific light distribution pattern can be brighter than the area of ​​the predetermined light distribution pattern.

[0048] In this embodiment, one of the upper light source unit 10U and the lower light source unit 10L includes a predetermined light-emitting element, and the other of the upper light source unit 10U and the lower light source unit 10L includes a light-emitting element that emits light that forms a light distribution pattern that overlaps with a predetermined light distribution pattern. In this way, by separating the light-emitting elements that emit the predetermined light distribution pattern and the light-emitting elements that emit light of a light distribution pattern that overlaps with the predetermined light distribution pattern into the upper light source unit 10U and the lower light source unit, the amount of overlap in the predetermined light distribution pattern can be increased, and the predetermined light distribution pattern can be made brighter.

[0049] Furthermore, when the predetermined light distribution pattern is the light distribution pattern 14PT and the specific light distribution pattern is the light distribution pattern 17PT or the light distribution pattern 13PT, the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT does not overlap with the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT, and the specific light distribution patterns 17PT and 13PT overlap with the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. In this way, when the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT overlaps at least a portion of the specific light distribution patterns 17PT and 13PT but does not overlap with the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT, the specific light distribution patterns 17PT and 13PT, which may be darker than the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT, can be brightened by the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. Note that when the predetermined light distribution pattern is the light distribution pattern 16PT, both the predetermined light distribution pattern 16PT and the specific light distribution patterns 12PT and 17PT overlap with the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT.

[0050] 2, the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT is preferably formed in an area above the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT, in addition to an area overlapping with the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT. In this case, it is possible to brighten a marker lamp installed at a high position in front of the vehicle.

[0051] 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first additional light distribution patterns 10PT emitted from the left and right vehicle headlights 1L, 1R. In this diagram, in order to avoid complicating the diagram, the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT emitted from the left vehicle headlight 1L is drawn above the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT emitted from the right vehicle headlight 1R, but the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT emitted from the left vehicle headlight 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT emitted from the right vehicle headlight 1R are formed at approximately the same height.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, the vehicle headlight 1L and the vehicle headlight 1R have a generally symmetrical configuration. Therefore, the first additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle headlight 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle headlight 1R are generally symmetrical. Furthermore, as described above, the first additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle headlight 1L is shifted to the left of the central axis C of the low beam light distribution pattern 30PT in the left-right direction, and therefore the first additional light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted from the vehicle headlight 1R is shifted to the right of the central axis C. In this way, the first additional light distribution patterns are shifted from each other in the left-right direction and partially overlap each other.

[0053] Next, the operation of the vehicle headlamp set 1 will be described.

[0054] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 40 of the vehicle headlamp 1L in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 40 includes steps S1 to S10. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the vehicle headlamp 1L and the vehicle headlamp 1R perform the same operation.

[0055] (Step S1) In this step, the next step is determined depending on whether an ON signal has been input from a light switch (not shown). In this step, if the ON signal has not been input from the light switch, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S2, and if an ON signal has been input, the control flow advances to step S3. The ON signal from the light switch may be input to the control unit 40 directly or via the ECU 3.

[0056] (Step S2) This step is a step of causing the vehicle headlamp 1L to not emit light. In this step, the control unit 40 controls the low beam light source unit 30LS of the low beam light source unit 30, the second light source unit 20LS of the second light source unit 20, and the first light source unit 10LS to not emit light. Note that when the control unit 40 controls the low beam light source unit 30LS, the second light source unit 20LS, and the first light source unit 10LS to not emit light, it is sufficient that no light is emitted from these light source units, and this includes a case where no control signal is input from the control unit 40 to the low beam light source unit 30LS, the second light source unit 20LS, and the first light source unit 10LS. For example, if light is not being emitted from the low beam light source unit 30LS, the second light source unit 20LS, and the first light source unit 10LS when proceeding from step S1 to this step, the control unit 40 may maintain this state. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 40 does not need to output any control signals. After this step, the control unit 40 returns the control flow to step S1.

[0057] (Step S3) This step causes the low beam light source unit 30 to emit light that forms the low beam distribution pattern 30PT. In this step, the control unit 40 controls the low beam light source unit 30LS of the low beam light source unit 30 to emit light from the low beam light source unit 30LS. In this way, light that forms the low beam distribution pattern 30PT is emitted from the low beam light source unit 30LS. Note that if light is being emitted from the low beam light source unit 30 when proceeding from step S2 to this step, the control unit 40 may maintain this state. In this case, the control unit 40 does not need to output any control signal to the low beam light source unit 30. Also, in this step, the control unit 40 does not particularly control the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10. Therefore, the state of light emission from the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10 when proceeding from step S2 to this step is maintained. After this step, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S4.

[0058] (Step S4) This step determines the next step depending on whether an ON signal has been input from a high beam switch (not shown). In this step, if the ON signal has not been input from the high beam switch, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S5, and if an ON signal has been input from the high beam switch, the control flow advances to step S6. The ON signal from the high beam switch may be input to the control unit 40 directly or via the ECU 3.

[0059] (Step S5) This step is a step of not emitting light from the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10, i.e., not emitting light that forms an additional high beam light distribution pattern that, in combination with the low beam light distribution pattern, forms a high beam light distribution pattern. In this step, the control unit 40 controls the second light source unit 20LS of the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10LS of the first light source unit 10 to not emit light from the second light source unit 20LS and the first light source unit 10LS. Note that if light is not being emitted from the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10 when proceeding from step S4 to this step, the control unit 40 may maintain that state. In this case, the control unit 40 does not need to output any control signals to the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10. After this step, the control unit 40 returns the control flow to step S1.

[0060] (Step S6) This step is a step of emitting light from the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10, i.e., a step of emitting light that will form a light distribution pattern of the additional high beam portion. In this step, the control unit 40 controls the second light source unit 20LS of the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10LS of the first light source unit 10 to emit light that will form the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT from the second light source unit 20LS and to emit light that will form the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT from the first light source unit 10LS. In this step, since light that will form the low beam light distribution pattern 30PT has already been emitted from the low beam light source unit 30, the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by the light emitted from the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10 are added to the low beam light distribution pattern 30PT, thereby forming a high beam light distribution pattern. Thus, in this step, light that forms a high beam light distribution pattern is emitted from the vehicle headlamp 1L. Note that if light is being emitted from the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10 when proceeding from step S4 to this step, the control unit 40 may maintain that state. In this case, the control unit 40 does not need to output any control signals to the second light source unit 20 and the first light source unit 10. After this step, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S7.

[0061] (Step S7) This step is a step in which the next step is changed depending on the signal from the detection device 4. In this step, if the signal from the detection device 4 indicates that an object has been detected, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S8, and if the signal from the detection device 4 does not indicate that an object has been detected, the control unit 40 returns the control flow to step S1. A case in which the signal from the detection device 4 indicates that an object has been detected is, for example, a case in which the signal from the detection device 4 includes data related to the position coordinates of the object. In addition, a case in which the signal from the detection device 4 does not indicate that an object has been detected includes a case in which a signal indicating that an object has not been detected is input from the detection device 4 to the control unit 40, or a case in which no signal is input from the detection device 4 to the control unit 40.

[0062] (Step S8) In this step, the next step is determined depending on whether or not an object is located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. In this step, a signal including data related to the position coordinates of the object is input to the control unit 40 from the detection device 4. Therefore, if the coordinates of the object are located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S9, and if the coordinates of the object are not located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT, the control unit 40 advances the control flow to step S10.

[0063] (Step S9) This step is a step of setting the vehicle headlamp 1L to a first dimming state. In the first dimming state, light forming the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT is dimmed or turned off, and light forming a light distribution pattern in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT that overlaps with the object is dimmed or turned off. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing light distribution patterns in the first dimming state. When the control flow proceeds to this step, the second light source unit 20 is emitting light that forms the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT, and the first light source unit 10 is emitting light that forms the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT. Therefore, the control unit 40 controls the second light source unit 20LS of the second light source unit 20 to dim or turn off the second light source unit 20LS, and controls the first light source unit 10LS of the first light source unit 10 to dim or turn off the light source unit that forms the light distribution pattern that overlaps with the object OB. In the example of FIG. 7 , the object OB is an oncoming vehicle, and the position of the object OB overlaps with the light distribution patterns 12PT, 16PT, and 11PT formed by the light from the light source units 12, 16, and 11. Therefore, the control unit 40 dims or extinguishes the light-emitting elements 12L, 16L, and 11L of the light source unit 12. Note that the vehicle headlight 1R also performs a similar operation in this step, but the light source unit of the first light source unit 10 that emits light of the light distribution pattern that overlaps the object OB is different from the light source unit 12 of the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlight 1L. Therefore, in this step, the control unit 40 dims or extinguishes the light source unit different from the light source unit 12 of the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlight 1R. After this step, the control unit 40 returns the control flow to step S1.

[0064] (Step S10) This step is a step of setting the vehicle headlamp 1L to a second dimming state. In the second dimming state, the light forming the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT is not particularly changed, and the light forming the light distribution pattern overlapping the object in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT is dimmed or turned off. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern in the second dimming state. When the control flow proceeds to this step, the second light source unit 20 is emitting light forming the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT, and the first light source unit 10 is emitting light forming the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT. Therefore, the control unit 40 controls the first light source unit 10LS of the first light source unit 10 to dim or turn off the light source unit that forms the light distribution pattern overlapping the object OB. In the example of FIG. 8, the object OB is a pedestrian, and the position of the object OB overlaps the light distribution patterns 18PT and 14PT formed by light from the light source units 18 and 14. Therefore, the control unit 40 dims or turns off the light-emitting elements 18L, 14L of the light source units 18, 14. Note that the vehicle headlamp 1R also performs a similar operation in this step, but the light source unit of the first light source unit 10 that emits light in a light distribution pattern that overlaps the object OB is different from the light source units 18, 14 of the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp 1L. Therefore, in this step, in the vehicle headlamp 1R, the control unit 40 dims or turns off the light source units that are different from the light source units 18, 14 of the first light source unit 10. After this step, the control unit 40 returns the control flow to step S1.

[0065] As described above, in the vehicle headlamps 1L, 1R of this embodiment, the first light source unit 10 includes a plurality of light source sections 11 to 14 arranged side by side, each including light emitting elements 11L to 14L and reflectors 11R to 14R that reflect light emitted from the light emitting elements 11L to 14L, and an upper light source section 10U in which light distribution patterns 11PT to 14PT formed by light emitted from the light source sections 11 to 14 are arranged in the left-right direction, and a lower light source section 10U in which light emitting elements 15L to 19L and light emitting elements 15L to 19R are arranged below the upper light source section 10U. and a lower light source unit 10L in which a plurality of light source units 15-19, each including reflectors 15R-19R that reflect light emitted from the light source units 15-19, are arranged side by side, and light distribution patterns 15PT-19PT formed by the light emitted from the light source units 15-19 are arranged in the left-right direction, and the light distribution patterns 11PT-14PT formed by the light emitted from the light source units 11-14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light distribution patterns 15PT-19PT formed by the light emitted from the light source units 15-19 of the lower light source unit 10L overlap in the left-right direction.

[0066] In this way, the first light source section 10LS of the first light source unit 10, which emits light of light distribution patterns that overlap in the left-right direction, is divided into the upper light source section 10U and the lower light source section 10L. By overlapping the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper and lower light source sections in the left-right direction in this way, the amount of overlap can be increased compared to when the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the light source sections aligned in the left-right direction overlap in the left-right direction. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the direction of the light emitted from the upper and lower light source sections, the position where the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper and lower light source sections overlap in the left-right direction can be set to a desired position. Therefore, with this vehicle headlamp 1L, 1R, it is possible to brighten a desired position in the left-right direction in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT above the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT.

[0067] In the vehicle headlamps 1L, 1R of this embodiment, the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT by the light emitted by the predetermined light-emitting element 14L is positioned on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT with respect to the left-right central axis C of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT. The predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT by the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 19L, 18L other than the predetermined light-emitting element 14L overlaps in the left-right direction, and the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT by the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 19L, 18L other than the predetermined light-emitting element 14L overlaps in the left-right direction. The specific light distribution pattern 13PT, which is located closer to the central axis C than the specific light distribution pattern 14PT, is produced by light emitted by the specific light-emitting element 13L, and the light distribution patterns 18PT, 17PT, which are produced by light emitted by light-emitting elements 18L, 17L other than the specific light-emitting element 13L, overlap in the left-right direction, and the amount of overlap between the specific light distribution pattern 14PT and the light distribution patterns 19PT, 18PT is greater than the amount of overlap between the specific light distribution pattern 13PT and the light distribution patterns 18PT, 17PT.

[0068] Therefore, the area of ​​the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT located on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT can be made brighter than the area of ​​the specific light distribution pattern 13PT located closer to the central axis C in the left-right direction than the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT. Therefore, the vehicle headlights 1L, 1R of this embodiment can make it easier for occupants of the vehicle VE to recognize oncoming vehicles and pedestrians that are positioned offset in the left-right direction from the front of the vehicle VE.

[0069] Furthermore, the vehicle headlamps 1L, 1R of this embodiment include a second light source unit 20 that emits light that overlaps with a portion of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT and forms a second additional light distribution pattern 20PT in an area including the upper end of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT and above the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT, the area including the central axis C. The second additional light distribution pattern 20PT can be part of the light distribution pattern of the additional high beam portion together with the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT, and can brighten the upper area including the central axis C in the left-right direction of the low-beam light distribution pattern 30PT.

[0070] Furthermore, the vehicle headlamp set 1 of this embodiment includes a vehicle headlamp 1L disposed on the left side of the vehicle VE and a vehicle headlamp 1R disposed on the right side of the vehicle VE, and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the left vehicle headlamp 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the right vehicle headlamp 1R overlap with each other. Therefore, the left and right vehicle headlamp 1L, 1R can make the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT brighter than the overlapping region.

[0071] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlamp set 1 of this embodiment, the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by the light emitted by the vehicle headlamp 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by the light emitted by the vehicle headlamp 1R are generally bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, the left and right vehicle headlamp 1L, 1R can brighten the respective predetermined light distribution patterns located on both lateral ends of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT. Generally, oncoming vehicles and pedestrians are located on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle VE. Therefore, this configuration can make it easier for occupants of the vehicle VE to recognize both oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

[0072] Next, a modified example of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT will be described.

[0073] 9 is a diagram illustrating, in a manner similar to that of Fig. 2, how the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp 1R overlap in this modified example. Note that, also in this modified example, the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted from the first light source unit 10 of the vehicle headlamp 1R are generally symmetrical.

[0074] In this modification, if the specific light distribution pattern is a light distribution pattern 14PT, the light distribution pattern 18PT and the light distribution pattern 13PT overlap each other in the specified light distribution pattern 14PT. That is, there are areas where the light distribution pattern 14PT, the light distribution pattern 18PT, and the light distribution pattern 13PT overlap each other. Also, in the specified light distribution pattern 14PT, the light distribution pattern 19PT and the light distribution pattern 18PT overlap each other. That is, there are areas where the light distribution pattern 14PT, the light distribution pattern 19PT, and the light distribution pattern 18PT overlap each other. In these cases, within the specified light distribution pattern 14PT, at least a portion of the light distribution patterns formed by light emitted by two or more light-emitting elements other than the specified light-emitting element overlap each other. In this case, the light distribution patterns formed by light emitted by three or more light-emitting elements, including the specified light distribution pattern 14PT, overlap each other. Therefore, the left and right end portions of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT can be brighter.

[0075] Furthermore, in this modified example, light distribution patterns 19PT, 14PT, 18PT, 13PT, 17PT, and 12PT are connected to form a partial light distribution pattern of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT, and light distribution patterns 16PT, 11PT, and 15PT are connected to form another partial light distribution pattern of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT, spaced apart from this connected light distribution pattern. Therefore, a gap S is formed between the partial light distribution pattern and the other partial light distribution pattern. In this modified example, this gap S is formed at a position offset from the central axis C within the second additional light distribution pattern. Therefore, in this modified example, the second additional light distribution pattern overlaps this gap S. This configuration eliminates the need for a light-emitting element to illuminate the gap S, thereby reducing the number of light-emitting elements. On the other hand, because the light forming the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT illuminates the gap S, a decrease in forward visibility for occupants of the vehicle VE can be suppressed.

[0076] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first additional light distribution patterns 10PT emitted from the left and right vehicle headlights 1L, 1R in this modified example, in a manner similar to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 10, in this modified example, a portion of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted by the right vehicle headlight 1R is located in a gap S between the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted by the left vehicle headlight 1L, and a portion of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted by the left vehicle headlight 1L is located in a gap S between the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by light emitted by the right vehicle headlight 1R. In this way, the first additional light distribution patterns 10PT emitted by the left and right vehicle headlights 1L, 1R complement each other's gaps S, thereby preventing a decrease in forward visibility for occupants of the vehicle VE.

[0077] In the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT, the light distribution patterns of the light emitted by three or more light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element 14L may overlap each other.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples as examples, the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention can be modified from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples as long as the first light source unit 10 has an upper light source unit 10U in which a plurality of light source units are arranged horizontally and the light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from these light source units are aligned in the left-right direction, and a lower light source unit 10L arranged below the upper light source unit 10U and in which a plurality of light source units are arranged horizontally and the light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units are aligned in the left-right direction, and the light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units of the upper light source unit 10U and the light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units of the lower light source unit 10L overlap in the left-right direction.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, the vehicle headlights 1L, 1R are equipped with the control unit 40 and perform the ADB operation of dimming or turning off the light that forms part of the light distribution pattern of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle headlights 1L, 1R may not be equipped with the control unit 40 and may not perform the ADB operation.

[0080] Furthermore, in the vehicle headlights 1L and 1R of the above embodiment, the amount of overlap between the predetermined light distribution pattern 14PT and the light distribution patterns 19PT and 18PT is greater than the amount of overlap between the specific light distribution pattern 13PT and the light distribution patterns 18PT and 17PT, but the light distribution patterns do not have to be like this.

[0081] In addition, in the present invention, the second light source unit 20 is not an essential component. In this case, the light distribution pattern of the additional high beam portion that is added to the low beam light distribution pattern 30PT to form the high beam light distribution pattern is made up of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT, and the low beam light distribution pattern 30PT and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT form the high beam light distribution pattern.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the next step in step S8 differs depending on whether or not an object is located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the next step may be the same regardless of whether or not an object is located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. For example, step S9 may be proceeded to after step S7. In this case, the first dimming state is entered regardless of whether or not an object is located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. Therefore, the light forming the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT is dimmed or turned off, and the light forming the light distribution pattern in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT that overlaps the object is dimmed or turned off. In this case, by dimming the light of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT irradiated onto the object OB, it is possible to suppress the illumination of light onto the object OB, and by dimming or turning off the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT, it is possible to further suppress dazzling to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S10 after step S7. In this case, the second dimming state is entered regardless of whether an object is located at a position overlapping the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT. Therefore, the light forming the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT is not particularly changed, and the light forming the light distribution pattern in the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT that overlaps the object is dimmed or turned off. In this case, the light of the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT irradiated onto the object OB is dimmed, thereby suppressing the irradiation of light onto the object OB, and since the second additional light distribution pattern 20PT does not change, the area ahead of the vehicle VE can be kept bright.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L fills in the gaps between the spaced apart light distribution patterns, and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L is spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U fills in the gaps between the spaced apart light distribution patterns. However, the light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the upper light source unit 10U do not have to be spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the light distribution pattern of the light emitted from the lower light source unit 10L does not have to be spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0084] Furthermore, the light source units 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light source units 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L do not need to be misaligned in the left-right direction.

[0085] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by the light emitted from the left vehicle headlight 1L and the first additional light distribution pattern 10PT formed by the light emitted from the right vehicle headlight 1R were symmetrical in the left-right direction, but these first additional light distribution patterns 10PT do not have to be symmetrical with each other in the left-right direction.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the light source units 11 to 14 of the upper light source unit 10U and the light source units 15 to 19 of the lower light source unit 10L are PES-type light source units. However, at least one of the light source units may have a configuration other than the PES-type, which has a light-emitting element and a reflector. For example, all of the light source units 15 to 19 may be parabolic, which has a light-emitting element and a reflector. In this case, the projection lens 10PL is not required.

[0087] According to the present invention, a vehicle headlamp can be provided that can brighten a desired position in the left-right direction in the light distribution pattern of an additional high beam portion that forms part of the high beam, and can be used in fields such as vehicle headlamp for automobiles.

Claims

1. A vehicle headlamp comprising: a low beam light source unit that emits light that forms a low beam light distribution pattern; and a first light source unit that emits light that forms a first additional light distribution pattern in an area including an upper end of the low beam light distribution pattern and an area above the low beam light distribution pattern, wherein the first light source unit has an upper light source unit in which a plurality of light source units, each including a light-emitting element and a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element, are arranged side by side, and light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units are arranged side by side in the left-right direction; and a lower light source unit that is arranged below the upper light source unit and in which a plurality of light source units, each including a light-emitting element and a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light-emitting element, are arranged side by side, and light distribution patterns formed by the light emitted from the light source units are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, wherein the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted by at least a portion of the light source units of the upper light source unit and the light distribution pattern formed by the light emitted by at least a portion of the light source units of the lower light source unit overlap in the left-right direction.

2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that light distribution patterns produced by light emitted from one of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and a light distribution pattern produced by light emitted from some of the other of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit overlaps at least a portion of each of the spaced apart light distribution patterns produced by light emitted from one of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit, and fills in gaps between each of the spaced apart light distribution patterns.

3. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the two or more light source units in the upper light source unit and the respective light distribution patterns of the light emitted from the two or more light source units in the lower light source unit are arranged alternately in the left-right direction while partially overlapping each other.

4. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: a predetermined light distribution pattern formed by light irradiated by a predetermined light-emitting element and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by a portion of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element are positioned on the left-right end side of the first additional light distribution pattern based on the left-right central axis of the low-beam light distribution pattern, and overlap in the left-right direction; a predetermined light distribution pattern formed by light irradiated by a predetermined light-emitting element and a light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by a portion of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element are positioned on the left-right side of the predetermined light distribution pattern in the first additional light distribution pattern, and overlap in the left-right direction between the predetermined light distribution pattern and the light distribution pattern formed by light emitted by a portion of the light-emitting elements other than the predetermined light-emitting element.

5. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit includes the specified light-emitting element, and the other of the upper light source unit and the lower light source unit includes a light-emitting element that emits light that forms a light distribution pattern that overlaps with the specified light distribution pattern.

6. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a second light source unit that emits light to form a second additional light distribution pattern that overlaps with a portion of the first additional light distribution pattern and is located in an area including the central axis at the upper end of the low beam light distribution pattern and above the low beam light distribution pattern.

7. A vehicle headlamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a projection lens through which light emitted from the upper light source unit and light emitted from the lower light source unit pass, wherein in the light source unit of the upper light source unit, the light emitting element emits light upward and the reflector reflects the light towards the projection lens, and in the light source unit of the lower light source unit, the light emitting element emits light downward and the reflector reflects the light towards the projection lens.

8. The vehicle headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light source portion of the upper light source portion and the light source portion of the lower light source portion are misaligned in the left-right direction.

Images