JP2012074262A - Vehicular headlight and control device for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular headlight capable of avoiding projection of glare to a target object such as a front-traveling vehicle while restraining a size and cost of a lamp fitting.SOLUTION: In the vehicular headlight 10, a support member 20 supports a first semiconductor light-emitting element 22 and a second semiconductor light-emitting element 24. A first reflector 28 and a second reflector 30 respectively form a first separate light-distribution pattern PH1 and a second separate light-distribution pattern PH2 by reflecting light from the first semiconductor light-emitting element 22. A third reflector 32 and a fourth reflector 34 respectively form a third separate light-distribution pattern PH3 and a fourth separate light-distribution pattern PH4 by reflecting light from the second semiconductor light-emitting element 24. A moving mechanism integrally moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 so as to avoid formation of the first separate light-distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth separate light-distribution pattern PH4, and avoids projection of glare to a target object such as a front-traveling vehicle existing in the first separate light-distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth separate light-distribution pattern PH4.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular headlamp and a control device therefor, and more particularly to a vehicular headlamp equipped with a reflector and a control device therefor.

  When traveling by car at night, the vehicle usually travels by irradiating a low beam below the horizon to illuminate the road surface, and if necessary, traveling while confirming the front by irradiating a high beam above the horizon. Here, irradiating light above the horizon may cause glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle or the pedestrian in front of the vehicle. For example, the presence / absence of the preceding vehicle is detected and the detection result is detected. There is proposed a vehicle headlamp device that adjusts light so as to dimm one direction and irradiates light dimmed in this direction in the other direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-4-81337

  In the vehicle headlamp device described in Patent Document 1 described above, light is irradiated forward of the vehicle through a projection lens. However, in the method using the projection lens as described above, it is difficult to suppress the length of the lamp in the front-rear direction. In addition, the liquid crystal light control plate as described in Patent Document 1 is generally expensive, and there is room for improvement in terms of cost.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to avoid the application of glare to an object such as a preceding vehicle while suppressing the size and cost of the lamp. is there.

  In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle headlamp according to an aspect of the present invention includes a support member that supports a light source, and a plurality of light beams that are reflected from the light source and are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. A plurality of reflectors that form each of the individual light distribution patterns, and a moving mechanism that moves at least one of the plurality of reflectors so as to avoid formation of the individual light distribution patterns by the reflectors.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the formation of the individual light distribution pattern by the reflector by a simple method of moving the reflector. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the application of glare to an object such as a preceding vehicle with a simple configuration.

  The light source is provided with a light emitting surface having an edge portion, and each of the plurality of reflectors is a reflection image of the edge portion of the light emitting surface, and a vertical cut-off line extending in the vertical direction is provided in the individual light distribution pattern.

  According to this aspect, the individual light distribution pattern can be formed by effectively using the light emitted from the light source as compared with the case where the vertical cut-off line is provided using, for example, a shade. Further, the vertical cut-off line can be formed with a simple configuration.

  The moving mechanism moves the reflector to be moved among the plurality of reflectors to a region where the light from the light source is shielded by the other reflector, thereby avoiding the formation of an individual light distribution pattern by the reflector to be moved. Also good.

  According to this aspect, it is not necessary to add another member as compared with the case where another member for providing a region where light from the light source is shielded is provided. Formation of a light distribution pattern can be avoided.

  The support member supports the first light source and the second light source, and the plurality of reflectors each reflect the light from the first light source to form a corresponding individual light distribution pattern. You may have a group and the 2nd reflector group which each reflects the light from a 2nd light source, and forms the individual light distribution pattern corresponding to each. The moving mechanism may be provided so as to be able to move at least one reflector of the first reflector group and at least one reflector of the second reflector group so as to avoid the formation of an individual light distribution pattern by each of them.

  According to this aspect, for example, various types of light distribution patterns can be formed by combining the turning on and off of the first light source and the second light source and the movement of the reflector. For this reason, it is possible to form a light distribution pattern in accordance with the position and movement of the object.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a control device for a vehicle headlamp. In this apparatus, a signal acquisition unit that acquires a detection signal from a detection unit that detects the presence of an object that should avoid glare, a light source support unit that supports a light source, and light from the light source each reflects A plurality of reflectors forming each of a plurality of individual light distribution patterns arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, and a movement for moving at least one of the plurality of reflectors so as to avoid formation of the individual light distribution patterns by the reflectors A control signal is output to the actuator of the moving mechanism so that the detected object among the plurality of reflectors moves the reflector included in the individual light distribution pattern. And a signal output unit for avoiding the formation of the individual light distribution pattern by the reflector.

  According to this aspect, in accordance with the position of the object, the reflector that reflects light toward the object can be moved, and the formation of an individual light distribution pattern by the reflector can be avoided. For this reason, the provision of glare to the object can be appropriately avoided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, provision of the glare to objects, such as a preceding vehicle, can be avoided, suppressing the size and cost of a lamp.

(A) And (b) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern for high beams formed with the vehicle headlamp. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when both the first semiconductor light-emitting element and the second semiconductor light-emitting element are lit and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the advanced position, (b) ) Is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when the first semiconductor light emitting element is turned on but the second semiconductor light emitting element is turned off, and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the advanced position. (B) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when both the first semiconductor light-emitting element and the second semiconductor light-emitting element are turned on and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the retracted position. ) Is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed at this time. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the light distribution control system which controls formation of the light distribution by a vehicle headlamp. It is a top view of the vehicle headlamp which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when both the first semiconductor light-emitting element and the second semiconductor light-emitting element are lit and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the advanced position, (b) ) Is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when the first semiconductor light emitting element is turned on but the second semiconductor light emitting element is turned off, and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the advanced position. (B) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when the second semiconductor light emitting element is turned on but the first semiconductor light emitting element is turned off, and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the advanced position; (B) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when both the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element are turned on, the first reflector is in the retracted position, and the fourth reflector is in the advanced position. (B) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when both the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element are turned on, the first reflector is in the advanced position, and the fourth reflector is in the retracted position. (B) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. (A) is a top view of the vehicle headlamp when both the first semiconductor light-emitting element and the second semiconductor light-emitting element are turned on and the first reflector and the fourth reflector are in the retracted position. ) Is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed at this time. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the light distribution control system which controls formation of the light distribution by a vehicle headlamp.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are top views of the vehicle headlamp 10 according to the first embodiment. 1 (a) and 1 (b) are illustrated such that the front of the lamp faces downward in each of FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). Accordingly, the right direction in each of FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) is the left direction of the lamp, and the left direction in each of FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) is the right direction of the lamp. Hereinafter, “right” indicates the right when facing the front of the lamp, and “left” indicates the left when facing the front of the lamp.

  The vehicle headlamp 10 includes a light source unit 12 and a reflector unit 14. The light source unit 12 includes a support member 20, a first semiconductor light emitting element 22 that is a first light source, and a second semiconductor light emitting element 24 that is a second light source. The first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 employ LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). By covering a blue LED that emits blue light with a phosphor that converts blue light into yellow light. It is provided to emit white light. The first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are formed in the same shape having rectangular light emitting surfaces of the same shape. The first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 may have different shapes from each other, and may have a light emitting surface of a shape other than a rectangle. Further, instead of the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24, other types of light sources such as an incandescent lamp and a discharge lamp may be employed.

  The support member 20 is formed in a plate shape, supports the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 on the first surface, and supports the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 on the second surface opposite to the first surface. Accordingly, the support member 20 supports the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 so that the respective light emitting surfaces face in opposite directions. Of course, the support form of the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 is not limited to this, and the support member 20 includes the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. You may support so that each light emission surface may face the direction except a non-identical direction and 180 degrees mutually.

  The support member 20 functions as a heat radiating member that collects and radiates heat generated by each of the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. The support member 20 also functions as a light shielding member that shields light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 from each other.

  The support member 20 is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction and the lamp front-rear direction. The first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is mounted on the right side surface of the support member 20 so that the light emitting surface faces rightward. The second semiconductor light emitting element 24 is attached on the left side surface of the support member 20 so that the light emitting surface faces leftward.

  The reflector unit 14 includes a first reflector 28, a second reflector 30, a third reflector 32, a fourth reflector 34, a connecting member 36, a guide rod 37, and a moving mechanism 44. The 1st reflector 28 and the 2nd reflector 30 are arrange | positioned at the lamp right side of the 1st semiconductor light-emitting device 22, and reflect the light which the 1st semiconductor light-emitting device 22 emits ahead of a lamp. The second reflector 30 is disposed at a position closer to the support member 20 than the first reflector 28 and behind the lamp relative to the first reflector 28. Hereinafter, the first reflector 28 and the second reflector 30 are appropriately referred to as a “first reflector group 40”. The third reflector 32 and the fourth reflector 34 are disposed on the left side of the lamp of the second semiconductor light emitting element 24, and reflect the light emitted by the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 to the front of the lamp. The third reflector 32 is disposed at a position closer to the support member 20 than the fourth reflector 34 and behind the lamp fixture than the fourth reflector 34. Hereinafter, the third reflector 32 and the fourth reflector 34 are appropriately referred to as a “second reflector group 42”.

  The first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are connected to each other by a connecting member 36. The guide rod 37 extends in the front-rear direction of the lamp, and the front end of the lamp is connected to the connecting member 36. The first reflector 28, the fourth reflector 34, the coupling member 36, and the guide rod 37 constitute a movable reflector unit 38. The movable reflector unit 38 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the lamp by the moving mechanism 44.

  Specifically, the moving mechanism 44 includes a motor 46 and a transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear. The guide rod 37 is provided with a rack gear, and the transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor 46 to the rack gear to move the movable reflector unit 38 in the front-rear direction of the lamp. Thus, the moving mechanism 44 moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 in the front-rear direction of the lamp when the motor 46 operates.

  An electronic control unit 50 is provided in a vehicle on which the vehicle headlamp 10 is mounted. The electronic control unit 50 controls the movement of the first reflector 28 and the second reflector 30 in the front-rear direction of the lamp by controlling the operation of the motor 46.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram when the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are advanced to positions where the individual light distribution patterns can be formed by the respective reflected lights. Hereinafter, the positions of the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 at this time are referred to as “advance position”. On the other hand, FIG.1 (b) is a figure when the 1st reflector 28 and the 4th reflector 34 are evacuated to the position which avoids formation of the separate light distribution pattern by each. Hereinafter, the positions of the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 at this time are referred to as “retracted positions”.

  In this way, the moving mechanism 44 is integrated simultaneously and integrally so as to avoid the formation of the individual light distribution patterns by the first reflector 28 of the second reflector group 42 and the fourth reflector 34 of the second reflector group 42, respectively. It is provided to be moved.

  In the first embodiment, the moving mechanism 44 moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position so that the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is blocked by the second reflector 30. Simultaneously with the movement of the first reflector 28, the fourth reflector 34 is moved to a region where light is shielded from the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 by the third reflector 32. Thereby, compared with the case where the light shielding member which blocks | prevents the arrival of the light to the 1st reflector 28 and the 4th reflector 34 is provided separately, the member to provide can be reduced, and the structure of the vehicle headlamp 10 is simplified. be able to. Note that the light arrival prevention method from the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 to the first reflector 28 and the light arrival prevention method from the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 to the fourth reflector 34 are not limited thereto. Of course, for example, a separate light shielding member may be provided, and each of the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 may be retracted to a region where light is shielded by the light shielding member.

  The first reflector group 40 may be provided with three or more reflectors, and the second reflector group 42 may be provided with three or more reflectors. Thereby, the high-beam light distribution pattern can be finely divided in the horizontal direction. At this time, the moving mechanism is capable of moving at least one reflector of the first reflector group 40 and at least one reflector of the second reflector group 42 simultaneously and integrally so as to avoid formation of individual light distribution patterns by each. Provided.

  For example, the moving mechanism includes a first reflector that forms an individual light distribution pattern closest to the VV line in the first reflector group 40 and an individual light distribution that is closest to the VV line in the second reflector group 42. The second reflector that forms the pattern may be provided to be movable simultaneously and integrally so as to avoid the formation of the respective individual light distribution patterns. Furthermore, another moving mechanism may be provided. This other moving mechanism includes a third reflector that forms an individual light distribution pattern that is next to the VV line in the first reflector group 40 and a VV line that is next to the second reflector group 42. The fourth reflector that forms the individual light distribution patterns may be provided so as to be movable simultaneously so as to avoid the formation of the individual light distribution patterns. Thereby, for example, by moving only the first and second reflectors to the retracted position, it is possible to make light non-irradiate a narrow region around the VV line. Further, by moving the third and fourth reflectors to the retracted position, light is not irradiated to a wider area in the horizontal direction than when only the first and second reflectors are moved to the retracted position. be able to.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a high-beam light distribution pattern PH formed by the vehicle headlamp 10. This figure shows the figure which looked at the light distribution pattern PH for high beams projected on the virtual vertical screen provided 25 m ahead of the lamp from the vehicle headlamp 10 toward the back of the lamp from the back side of the virtual vertical screen. Yes. Therefore, the right direction in FIG. 2 is the lamp left direction, and the left direction in FIG. 2 is the lamp right direction. In the following, “right” refers to the right toward the front of the lamp and “left” refers to the left toward the front of the lamp. The high beam light distribution pattern PH has a width in the height direction from a position slightly below the horizontal line (HH line) to a predetermined height above the HH line, and the front front of the lamp for the vehicle headlamp 10. Are formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction over the same length on both sides of the vertical line (V-V line).

  The first reflector 28 reflects the light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 to form the first individual light distribution pattern PH1. The second reflector 30 reflects the light emitted from the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 to form the second individual light distribution pattern PH2. The second reflector 30 reflects the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 to form a third individual light distribution pattern PH3. The fourth reflector 34 reflects the light emitted from the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 to form a fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4. Thus, the first reflector 28 to the fourth reflector 34 reflect the light from the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24, respectively, and are adjacent to each other and arranged in the horizontal direction in the first individual light distribution pattern PH1. Each of the fourth individual light distribution patterns PH4 is formed. The high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed by combining the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 adjacent to each other.

  Specifically, each of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 is formed in a rectangular shape and is arranged in the horizontal direction. The first individual light distribution pattern PH1 is formed to extend slightly left from the VV line and to the right by a predetermined width from the VV line. The fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 is formed to extend slightly from the VV line to the left by a predetermined width from the VV line. Therefore, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 overlap each other around the VV line.

  The second individual light distribution pattern PH2 is formed adjacent to the right side of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 so that the left end overlaps the right end of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1. The third individual light distribution pattern PH3 is formed adjacent to the left side of the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 so that the right end portion overlaps the left end portion of the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4. Each of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 has a width in the height direction from slightly below the HH line to a predetermined height above the HH line. Thus, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are combined adjacently to form a high beam light distribution pattern PH.

  The first reflector 28 and the second reflector 30 are reflection images of the edge of the light emitting surface formed in a rectangle in the first semiconductor light emitting element 22, and have a vertical cutoff line extending in the vertical direction as the first individual light distribution pattern PH 1 and the first light distribution pattern PH 1. It is provided for each of the two individual light distribution patterns PH2. The third reflector 32 and the fourth reflector 34 are reflection images of the edge of the light emitting surface formed in a rectangle in the second semiconductor light emitting element 24, and the vertical cut-off line extending in the vertical direction is used as the third individual light distribution pattern PH 3 and the second light distribution pattern PH 3. Each of the four individual light distribution patterns PH4 is provided. By forming the vertical cut-off line using the edge of the light emitting surface in this way, no light is irradiated when any one of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the high beam light distribution pattern PH is not formed. The boundary line of the non-irradiation area can be clearly expressed by a vertical cut-off line.

  Hereinafter, the vertical cut-off line on the left side of the lamp of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 is the first vertical cut-off line a, the vertical cut-off line on the right side of the lamp of the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 is the second vertical cut-off line b, and the second individual distribution line. A vertical cutoff line on the left side of the lamp of the light pattern PH2 will be described as a third vertical cutoff line c, and a vertical cutoff line on the right side of the lamp of the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 will be described as a fourth vertical cutoff line d.

  As described above, the moving mechanism 44 moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 so as to avoid the formation of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4. Therefore, when the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 move to the retracted position, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are not formed, and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 and the third individual light distribution pattern PH4 are not formed. Only the light distribution pattern PH3 is formed.

  FIG. 3A shows the vehicle headlamp 10 when both the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are lit and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the advanced position. FIG. 3B is a top view, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are all formed, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed.

  FIG. 4A shows a vehicular headlamp when the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is turned on but the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 is turned off, and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the advanced position. It is a top view of the lamp | ramp 10, FIG.4 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time.

  In this case, the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are not formed, and the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 are formed. Therefore, an irradiation area where light is irradiated is provided on the right side of the lamp from the first vertical cutoff line a, but a non-irradiation area where light is not irradiated is provided on the left side of the lamp from the first vertical cutoff line a.

  On the contrary, when the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 is turned on but the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is turned off, and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the advanced position, the first individual light emitting element 24 is turned on. The light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 are not formed, and the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are formed. Therefore, an irradiation area where light is irradiated is provided on the left side of the lamp from the second vertical cutoff line b, but a non-irradiation area where light is not irradiated is provided on the right side of the lamp from the second vertical cutoff line b.

  FIG. 5A shows the vehicle headlamp 10 when both the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are lit and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the retracted position. It is a top view and FIG.5 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 and the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 are formed, but the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 around the VV line are not formed. . Accordingly, a region between the third vertical cutoff line c and the fourth vertical cutoff line d is a non-irradiation region where no light is irradiated.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a light distribution control system 48 that controls the formation of light distribution by the vehicle headlamp 10. The light distribution control system 48 includes an electronic control unit 50, a camera 52, a first semiconductor light emitting element 22, a second semiconductor light emitting element 24, and a motor 46. The electronic control unit 50 includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores various control programs, and a RAM that is used as a work area for data storage and program execution. In FIG. 6, the electronic control unit 50 depicts functional blocks realized by cooperation of hardware such as CPU, ROM, and RAM, and software. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

  The camera 52 includes an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), captures an image, and outputs image data. The camera 52 is provided, for example, in a position facing the upper part of the windshield in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and by taking an image of the front of the vehicle, it should be avoided that glare is applied to a forward vehicle or a pedestrian existing in front of the vehicle. An object (hereinafter simply referred to as “object”) is detected. Therefore, the camera 52 functions as a detection unit that detects the presence of an object.

  The electronic control unit 50 is provided inside the vehicle and is connected to the camera 52. The electronic control unit 50 includes a signal acquisition unit 54 and a signal output unit 56. The camera 52 functions as a detection unit that detects the presence of an object such as a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian that should avoid glare. The signal acquisition unit 54 acquires image data output from the camera 52 to be used as a detection signal for detecting the presence of the object from the camera 52. The signal output unit 56 specifies the position of the object using the acquired image data. Since such an object position specifying method is well known, description thereof is omitted.

  The signal output unit 56 outputs a control signal to the motor 46, thereby causing the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to advance to the advanced position or to retract to the retracted position. The signal output unit 56 outputs a lighting signal or a light-off signal to the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. Between each of the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 and the electronic control unit 50, lighting is performed by controlling power supply to the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. A drive circuit (not shown) for controlling turning off is provided. The drive circuit turns on the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 when a lighting signal is input to the first semiconductor light emitting element 22, and emits the first semiconductor light emission when a turn-off signal is input to the first semiconductor light emitting element 22. The element 22 is turned off. Further, the drive circuit turns on the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 when a lighting signal is input to the second semiconductor light emitting element 24, and the second circuit when a turn-off signal is input to the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. The semiconductor light emitting element 24 is turned off.

  When the position of the detected object is within the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 or the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4, the signal output unit 56 moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position. A control signal is output to the motor 46 of the moving mechanism 44. Thereby, formation of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 by the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 is avoided. Specifically, when the detected position of the object is between the third vertical cut-off line c and the fourth vertical cut-off line d, the signal output unit 56 retracts the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34. A control signal is output to the motor 46 of the moving mechanism 44 so as to move it to the position.

  When the detected position of the object is inside the third individual light distribution pattern PH3, the signal output unit 56 turns off the second semiconductor light emitting element 24, and the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern. The formation of the light pattern PH4 is avoided. Specifically, when the detected position of the object is on the left side of the lamp with respect to the fourth vertical cutoff line d, the signal output unit 56 turns off the second semiconductor light emitting element 24.

  When the detected position of the object is inside the second individual light distribution pattern PH2, the signal output unit 56 turns off the first semiconductor light emitting element 22, and the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2. The formation of the light pattern PH2 is avoided. Specifically, when the detected position of the object is on the right side of the lamp with respect to the third vertical cutoff line c, the signal output unit 56 turns off the first semiconductor light emitting element 22.

  For example, when the detected object is between the first vertical cut-off line a and the fourth vertical cut-off line d, the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are moved to the retracted position and the first individual arrangement is performed. By not forming the light pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4, it is possible to avoid the application of glare to the object. However, it is also possible to avoid the application of glare to the target object by turning off the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 and not forming the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4. In such a case, the signal output unit 56 retreats the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retreat position or turns off the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 according to the detected moving direction of the object. May be selected.

  Specifically, the signal output unit 56 also detects the moving direction of the object using the image data acquired from the camera 52. Since such a method for detecting the moving direction is known, the description thereof is omitted. For example, when the detected position of the target object is between the first vertical cut-off line a and the fourth vertical cut-off line d and the target object moves to the left of the lamp, the target object is the third individual There is a high possibility that it will proceed to the inside of the light distribution pattern PH3. Therefore, in this case, the signal output unit 56 outputs a turn-off signal to the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 while stopping the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 at the advanced position, and causes the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 to be output. Turn off the light. As a result, the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 in which the object is currently located inside the object and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 that is expected to proceed to the inside can be made non-formed.

  On the other hand, when the position of the detected object is between the first vertical cut-off line a and the fourth vertical cut-off line d and the object is moving in the right direction of the lamp, the object is the first There is a high possibility of proceeding to the inside of the individual light distribution pattern PH1. Therefore, in this case, the signal output unit 56 moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position while turning on the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. As a result, the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 in which the object is currently located inside the object and the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 that is expected to proceed to the inside can be made non-formed in the future.

  Further, for example, when the detected object is between the second vertical cutoff line b and the third vertical cutoff line c, the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are moved to the retracted position and the first individual arrangement is performed. By not forming the light pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4, it is possible to avoid the application of glare to the object. However, the application of glare to the object can also be avoided by turning off the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 so that the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 are not formed. Also in such a case, the signal output unit 56 retracts the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position or turns off the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 according to the detected moving direction of the object. You may choose.

  Specifically, for example, when the position of the detected object is between the second vertical cut-off line b and the third vertical cut-off line c and the object is moving in the right direction of the lamp, the object There is a high possibility that the object will then proceed into the second individual light distribution pattern PH2. Therefore, in this case, the signal output unit 56 outputs a turn-off signal to the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 while stopping the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 at the advanced position, and the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is output. Turn off the light. As a result, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 in which the object is currently located in the interior and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 that is expected to proceed to the interior in the future can be made non-formed.

  On the other hand, when the detected position of the target object is between the second vertical cut-off line b and the third vertical cut-off line c, and the target object is moving in the left direction of the lamp, the target object is the fourth. There is a high possibility of proceeding to the inside of the individual light distribution pattern PH4. Therefore, in this case, the signal output unit 56 moves the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position while turning on the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. As a result, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 in which the object is currently located inside the object and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 that is expected to proceed to the inside can be made non-formed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a top view of the vehicle headlamp 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is illustrated with the front of the lamp facing downward in FIG. Accordingly, the right direction in FIG. 2 is the lamp left direction, and the left direction in FIG. 2 is the lamp right direction. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The vehicle headlamp 100 includes a light source unit 12 and a reflector unit 102. The reflector unit 102 includes a first reflector 28, a second reflector 30, a third reflector 32, a fourth reflector 34, a first moving mechanism 110, and a second moving mechanism 112.

  The first moving mechanism 110 includes a guide rod 120, a transmission mechanism 122, and a first motor 124. One end of the guide rod 120 is connected to the first reflector 28 and is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The guide rod 120 is provided with a rack gear (not shown). The transmission mechanism 122 includes a gear and the like, and transmits the rotation of the rotation shaft of the first motor 124 to the rack gear of the guide rod 120 to move the first reflector 28 in the front-rear direction of the lamp.

  The second moving mechanism 112 includes a guide rod 130, a transmission mechanism 132, and a second motor 134. One end of the guide rod 130 is connected to the fourth reflector 34 and is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the lamp. The guide rod 130 is provided with a rack gear (not shown). The transmission mechanism 132 includes a gear and the like, and transmits the rotation of the rotation shaft of the second motor 134 to the rack gear of the guide rod 130 to move the fourth reflector 34 in the front-rear direction of the lamp. Of course, the configuration of the first moving mechanism 110 and the second moving mechanism 112 is not limited to this. For example, a ball screw is used instead of the rack gear, and the first reflector 28 or the fourth reflector 34 is moved. Other configurations for may be used.

  Hereinafter, the position of the first reflector 28 that has advanced so that the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 can be formed and the position of the fourth reflector 34 that has advanced so that the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 can be formed are referred to as “advance position”. . Further, the position of the first reflector 28 retracted to avoid the formation of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1, and the position of the fourth reflector 34 retracted to avoid the formation of the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4, respectively. This is called “retraction position”.

  An electronic control unit 150 is provided in a vehicle on which the vehicle headlamp 10 is mounted. The electronic control unit 50 moves the first reflector 28 between the advanced position and the retracted position by controlling the operation of the first motor 124. Further, the electronic control unit 150 moves the fourth reflector 34 between the advanced position and the retracted position by controlling the operation of the second motor 134.

  Also in the second embodiment, the first reflector group 40 may be provided with three or more reflectors, and the second reflector group 42 may be provided with three or more reflectors. At this time, it is movable so that at least one reflector of the first reflector group 40 and at least one reflector of the second reflector group 42 can be individually moved so as to avoid the formation of individual light distribution patterns by each of them. A movement mechanism may be provided in each reflector.

  FIG. 8A shows the vehicle headlamp 10 when both the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are lit, and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the advanced position. FIG. 3B is a top view, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 to the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are all formed, and the high beam light distribution pattern PH is formed.

  FIG. 9A shows a vehicular headlamp when the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is turned on but the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 is turned off, and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the advanced position. It is a top view of the lamp | ramp 10, FIG.9 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. In this case, the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are not formed, and the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 are formed. Therefore, an irradiation area where light is irradiated is provided on the right side of the lamp from the first vertical cutoff line a, but a non-irradiation area where light is not irradiated is provided on the left side of the lamp from the first vertical cutoff line a.

  FIG. 10A shows a vehicular headlamp when the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 is lit but the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 is extinguished and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the advanced position. It is a top view of the lamp | ramp 10, FIG.10 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 are not formed, and the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are formed. Therefore, an irradiation area where light is irradiated is provided on the left side of the lamp from the second vertical cutoff line b, but a non-irradiation area where light is not irradiated is provided on the right side of the lamp from the second vertical cutoff line b.

  FIG. 11A shows a vehicle in which both the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are lit, the first reflector 28 is in the retracted position, and the fourth reflector 34 is in the advanced position. It is a top view of the headlamp 10, FIG.11 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the second individual light distribution pattern PH2, the third individual light distribution pattern PH3, and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 are formed, but the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 is not formed. For this reason, the area between the second vertical cutoff line b and the third vertical cutoff line c is a non-irradiation area where no light is irradiated.

  FIG. 12A shows a vehicle for when both the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are lit, the first reflector 28 is in the advanced position, and the fourth reflector 34 is in the retracted position. It is a top view of the headlamp 10, FIG.12 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the first individual light distribution pattern PH1, the second individual light distribution pattern PH2, and the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 are formed, but the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 is not formed. For this reason, the area between the first vertical cutoff line a and the fourth vertical cutoff line d is a non-irradiation area where no light is irradiated.

  FIG. 13A shows the vehicular headlamp 10 when both the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 are lit and the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 are in the retracted position. It is a top view and FIG.13 (b) is a figure which shows the light distribution pattern formed at this time. At this time, the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 and the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 are formed, but the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 around the VV line are not formed. . Accordingly, a region between the third vertical cutoff line c and the fourth vertical cutoff line d is a non-irradiation region where no light is irradiated.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a light distribution control system 140 that controls the formation of light distribution by the vehicle headlamp 100. The light distribution control system 140 includes an electronic control unit 150, a camera 52, a first semiconductor light emitting element 22, a second semiconductor light emitting element 24, a first motor 124, and a second motor 134. The electronic control unit 150 includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores various control programs, and a RAM that is used as a work area for data storage and program execution. In FIG. 14, the electronic control unit 150 depicts functional blocks realized by cooperation of hardware such as CPU, ROM, and RAM, and software. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

  The electronic control unit 150 is provided inside the vehicle and is connected to the camera 52. The electronic control unit 150 includes a signal acquisition unit 154 and a signal output unit 156. The camera 52 functions as a detection unit that detects the presence of an object such as a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian that should avoid glare. The signal acquisition unit 154 acquires image data output by the camera 52 to be used as a detection signal for detecting the presence of an object from the camera 52. The signal output unit 156 specifies the position of the object using the acquired image data. Since such an object position specifying method is well known, description thereof is omitted.

  The signal output unit 156 outputs the control signal to the first motor 124 so that the first reflector 28 is advanced to the advanced position or retracted to the retracted position. In addition, the signal output unit 156 outputs the control signal to the second motor 134, thereby causing the fourth reflector 34 to advance to the advance position or retract to the retract position. Further, the signal output unit 156 outputs a turn-on signal or a turn-off signal to the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. A drive circuit (not shown) that controls turning on / off of the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 between each of the first semiconductor light emitting element 22 and the second semiconductor light emitting element 24 and the electronic control unit 150. ) Is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the detected position of the object is inside the first individual light distribution pattern PH1, the signal output unit 156 controls the first motor 124 of the first moving mechanism 110 to move the first reflector 28 to the retracted position. Output a signal. Specifically, the signal output unit 156 moves the first reflector 28 to the retracted position when the detected position of the object is between the first vertical cutoff line a and the third vertical cutoff line c. A control signal is output to the first motor 124 to avoid the formation of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1.

  When the detected position of the object is inside the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4, the signal output unit 156 controls the second motor 134 of the second moving mechanism 112 to move the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position. Output a signal. Specifically, the signal output unit 156 moves the first reflector 28 to the retracted position when the detected position of the target object is between the second vertical cutoff line b and the fourth vertical cutoff line d. A control signal is output to the first motor 124 to avoid the formation of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1. Therefore, when the detected object is between the first vertical cutoff line a and the second vertical cutoff line b, the signal output unit 156 moves both the first reflector 28 and the fourth reflector 34 to the retracted position. Let

  In addition, when the detected position of the object is inside the third individual light distribution pattern PH3, that is, on the left side of the lamp from the fourth vertical cut-off line d, the signal output unit 156 turns off the second semiconductor light emitting element 24. The formation of the third individual light distribution pattern PH3 and the fourth individual light distribution pattern PH4 is avoided. When the detected position of the object is inside the second individual light distribution pattern PH2, that is, on the right side of the lamp from the third vertical cut-off line c, the signal output unit 156 turns off the first semiconductor light emitting element 22, The formation of the first individual light distribution pattern PH1 and the second individual light distribution pattern PH2 is avoided.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and an appropriate combination of the elements of the first embodiment is also effective as an embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications such as design changes can be added to the first embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and embodiments to which such modifications are added are also included in the scope of the present invention. sell.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle headlamp, 20 Support member, 22 1st semiconductor light-emitting device, 24 2nd semiconductor light-emitting device, 28 1st reflector, 30 2nd reflector, 32 3rd reflector, 34 4th reflector, 40 1st reflector group 42 second reflector group, 44 moving mechanism, 50 electronic control unit, 52 camera, 54 signal acquisition unit, 56 signal output unit.

Claims (5)

A support member for supporting the light source;
A plurality of reflectors that each reflect light from the light source and form each of a plurality of individual light distribution patterns arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction;
A moving mechanism for moving at least one of the plurality of reflectors so as to avoid the formation of the individual light distribution pattern by the reflector;
A vehicle headlamp characterized by comprising: The light source is provided with a light emitting surface having an edge,
2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflectors is provided with a vertical cut-off line extending in a vertical direction in the individual light distribution pattern in a reflected image of an edge portion of the light emitting surface. .   The moving mechanism moves the reflector to be moved among the plurality of reflectors to a region where the light from the light source is shielded by another reflector, so that the individual light distribution pattern by the reflector to be moved is changed. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein formation is avoided. The support member supports the first light source and the second light source,
Each of the plurality of reflectors reflects light from the first light source, and each of the first reflector group that forms the individual light distribution pattern corresponding to each of the light and the light from the second light source. And a second reflector group that forms the individual light distribution pattern corresponding to each of them,
The moving mechanism is provided movably so as to avoid the formation of the individual light distribution pattern by at least one reflector of the first reflector group and at least one reflector of the second reflector group, respectively. The vehicular headlamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A signal acquisition unit that acquires a detection signal from a detection unit that detects the presence of an object that should avoid the application of glare;
A support member that supports a light source; a plurality of reflectors that each reflect light from the light source to form a plurality of individual light distribution patterns that are arranged adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction; and at least one of the plurality of reflectors And a moving mechanism that moves one of the reflectors so as to avoid the formation of the individual light distribution pattern by the reflector, the detected object among the plurality of reflectors is the individual A signal output unit for avoiding formation of the individual light distribution pattern by the reflector by outputting a control signal to the actuator of the moving mechanism so as to move the reflector included in the light distribution pattern;
A control apparatus for a vehicle headlamp, comprising:

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