JP2006273092A - Vehicle headlight system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sufficiently take an anti-glare measures to an oncoming vehicle when changing a route of a vehicle, without impairment of front visibility of the vehicle carrying out route change such as turning right and turning left. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicle headlight system comprises a route change determining means 6 whether the route change not less than a set angle from a straight-ahead direction in regard to a traveling direction of an own vehicle is carried out or not; an irradiating direction controlling means 7 changing an irradiating direction of the headlight 2 in a vertical surface; an irradiating range controlling means 8 changing an irradiating range and irradiating light amount; and a light distribution controlling means 9 changing light distribution from a light source 2a of the headlight 2 toward the vehicle front side. When the route change determining means 6 determines that route change not less than the set angle is carried out, the irradiating direction controlling means 7 change the irradiating direction downward to the front side. The irradiating range controlling means 8 shields or decreases a part of light toward a remote area in front of the own vehicle in the irradiating range, or the light distribution controlling means 9 moves a luminous intensity center portion in the light distribution or decreases light at the luminous intensity center portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a vehicular headlamp system that performs light distribution control in accordance with a change in the course of a vehicle so that dazzling light is not irradiated to an oncoming vehicle driver or the like when making a right or left turn at an intersection or the like. Technology for preventing glare.

  In an adaptive lighting system (AFS: Adaptive Front-lighting System) capable of light distribution control according to the traveling state of a vehicle, for example, steering angle detection information by a steering sensor or a vehicle height sensor is used for light distribution control. Information such as a change in vehicle posture (pitch angle) calculated from the detection signal is corrected and the irradiation direction of the headlamp is corrected.

  In such a control system, drive control (swivel control) for changing the irradiation direction of the headlamp in the horizontal plane and drive control (leveling control) for changing the irradiation direction in the vertical plane are combined. Control is performed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-54312 A

  In the conventional device configuration, measures are taken to prevent dazzling light directed to the oncoming vehicle when traveling on a curved road, but it is directed to the oncoming vehicle (particularly a straight vehicle) when making a right or left turn at an intersection or the like. The problem is that there are insufficient measures to prevent dazzling light.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a vehicle turning right from the intersection lane to the driver of a straight-ahead vehicle (see “MC” in the figure) waiting for a signal at a crossroad intersection (“C1” in FIG. 14A). ), Glare due to a right turn from the opposite lane (see “C2” in FIG. (B)), glare due to a vehicle turning left from the intersection lane to the opposite lane (see “C3” in FIG. (C)), etc. Is a problem. When a part of the light in the vicinity of the own lane side cut-off line that limits the light / dark boundary in the low beam distribution is directed toward the driver of the other vehicle, there is a possibility that the glare may cause discomfort. Note that in the form of controlling the direction of headlamp irradiation based only on the detection result of the vehicle steering angle, for example, in the case of a vehicle that is turning to the right and waiting for a right turn at an intersection, the light of the headlamp The axis is hardly changed in the horizontal direction, and leveling control linked to swivel control is not performed, so there is a risk of dazzling oncoming vehicles. The same applies to vehicles equipped with headlamps that do not have a headlight.)

  As described above, at the time of a large course change of the vehicle such as a right turn or a left turn at an intersection or the like, dazzling light to other vehicles can be generated by irradiation of the headlight of the vehicle. In other words, the illumination light (part of the light distribution) that causes glare is not only harmful, but it is also unnecessary light for the vehicle that is going to change the course (in the vicinity of the driver's seat of another vehicle). Because there is no need to irradiate and see.)

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to sufficiently take measures to prevent glare on the oncoming vehicle when the route of the vehicle is changed without impairing the forward visibility of the vehicle that changes the route such as a right turn or a left turn.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a vehicle headlamp system that performs light distribution control of a headlamp according to a change in the course of the vehicle, a course change that is equal to or greater than a set angle from the straight direction in the traveling direction of the host vehicle. Course change determination means for determining whether or not to be performed, irradiation direction control means for changing the irradiation direction of the headlamp in the vertical plane, and irradiation for changing the irradiation range and irradiation light amount by the headlamp A range control unit, and when the course change determination unit determines that the course change beyond the set angle is performed, the irradiation direction control unit changes the irradiation direction downward and the irradiation range control unit In the irradiation range, a part of the light traveling toward the far area in front of the host vehicle is blocked or the dimming control of the part is performed.

  Moreover, in the 2nd form which concerns on this invention, in the vehicle headlamp system which performs the light distribution control of the headlamp according to the course change of a vehicle, the course more than a setting angle from the straight ahead direction about the advancing direction of the own vehicle A course change determination means for determining whether or not a change is made, an irradiation direction control means for changing the irradiation direction of the headlamp in the vertical plane, and a light distribution from the light source of the headlamp toward the front of the vehicle And a light distribution distribution control means for changing the light distribution, and when the course change determination means determines that the course is changed beyond the set angle, the irradiation direction control means changes the irradiation direction to the front downward direction. At the same time, the luminous intensity distribution control means moves the luminous intensity central part in the luminous intensity distribution in a predetermined direction or performs dimming control of the luminous intensity central part.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when changing the course of the vehicle, the irradiation direction of the headlamp is basically changed to the front and downward direction. Further, a part of the irradiation range is shielded or dimmed, or the light distribution is performed. By using the movement control of the light intensity center in the distribution or the light reduction control of the light intensity center together, a measure for preventing glare to the oncoming vehicle is taken without impairing the forward visibility of the host vehicle. For example, by adjusting the vertical direction of the lamp unit, only the glare reduction effect is prioritized only by making the irradiation direction downward, and there is a possibility that the front visibility of the host vehicle is not sufficiently secured. Further, in the configuration form in which the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle is detected using infrared rays or the like, and the irradiation direction control is performed according to the detection result, the control becomes complicated and erroneous detection or the like becomes a problem. In this case, it is possible to realize irradiation control that does not cause dazzling for road users without such a problem.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently take glare prevention measures when changing the course at an intersection or the like. In addition, it is possible to prevent the forward visibility of the host vehicle from being deteriorated with respect to the irradiation control for that purpose. In the present invention, the control of the irradiation range, light distribution, and light quantity is combined based on the leveling control of the headlamp, and even if one of them falls into an uncontrollable state, the remaining control functions are normal. As long as the necessary minimum glare reduction measures are taken, it is effective in improving the safety of night driving.

  And when the course change of the own vehicle is started, the irradiation direction is continuously changed and changed to the front downward direction, and the temporary dimming control or the dimming control linked to the change of the irradiation direction is performed in parallel. When the course change of the own vehicle is completed, the irradiation direction is returned to the irradiation direction before the course change, and the irradiation light amount before the course change is restored. The change in the irradiation direction can be minimized by using the dimming control together.

  In addition, when the course change of the host vehicle is started, the irradiation direction continuously changes and is changed to the front downward direction, and the light intensity center portion in the light distribution pattern moves in conjunction with the change in the irradiation direction. After that, when the course change of the host vehicle is finished, it is preferable that the irradiation direction is returned to the irradiation direction before the course change and the light distribution is returned to the state before the course change. This avoids an instantaneous change in the irradiation direction when changing the course, and not only the effect of reducing glare but also the visibility of the vehicle in the direction of turning due to the movement of the center of light intensity according to the course change direction. The effect which raises is acquired.

  The present invention takes appropriate anti-glare measures so that the driver of the oncoming vehicle does not dazzle when the vehicle makes a right or left turn at an intersection or the like, and thus the forward visibility of the vehicle is not impaired. The purpose is to do so.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration example of a vehicle headlamp system according to the present invention.

  The vehicle headlamp system 1 includes, for example, the following means in order to perform light distribution control of the headlamp 2 in accordance with the course change of the host vehicle (the numbers in parentheses indicate symbols). .

・ Steering angle detection means (3)
.Vehicle speed detection means (4)
・ Front intersection information acquisition means (5)
・ Course change determination means (6)
・ Irradiation direction control means (7)
・ Irradiation range control means (8)
Light distribution distribution control means (9).

  The irradiation direction control means 7, the irradiation range control means 8, and the light distribution distribution control means 9 constitute a light distribution control means related to the headlamp 2.

  The steering angle detection means 3 detects the steering angle of the vehicle using a steering sensor or the like, and a steering angle detection signal is sent to the course change determination means 6.

  A vehicle speed sensor is used as the vehicle speed detection means 4, and a current vehicle speed detection signal is sent to the course change determination means 6.

  For example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) system using satellite communication, a road-to-vehicle communication device, an in-vehicle camera device that captures the foreground of the host vehicle, or the like is used as the front intersection information acquisition unit 5. Information such as the presence and type of an intersection located within a predetermined distance ahead of the current position of the host vehicle is acquired or calculated, and the information is sent to the course change determination means 6.

  The course change determination means 6 receives a steering angle detection signal, a vehicle speed detection signal, a signal indicating front intersection information, a lighting instruction signal of other lamps (such as a direction indicator, a cornering lamp, and a bending lamp), and the like. It is determined whether or not a course change (including a right turn or a left turn at an intersection) from the straight direction to the traveling direction is performed with respect to the traveling direction, and the determination result is determined based on the irradiation direction control unit 7, the irradiation range control unit 8, Each is sent to the light distribution control means 9.

  The course change determination condition is, for example, as shown below, and a combination of these conditions is used.

“V <Vsh” (“V” represents a vehicle speed, and “Vsh” represents a vehicle speed threshold)
“ΔV <ΔVsh” (“ΔV” represents the deceleration of the vehicle, and “ΔVsh” represents the deceleration threshold)
“Strn == ON” (“Strn” is an instruction signal to the direction indicator, and “ON” indicates that the lighting instruction is issued)
“Sotr == ON” (“Sotr” is an instruction signal to lamps other than the headlamp, and “ON” indicates that a lighting instruction is issued)
"L <Lsh"("L" indicates the distance (approach distance) from the current position of the vehicle to the front intersection, and "Lsh" indicates the distance threshold)
“Θ> θsh” (“θ” indicates a steering angle of the vehicle, and “θsh” indicates a threshold value of the steering angle).

  For example, it is possible to grasp whether or not a right / left turn is performed in accordance with the determination conditions shown below (“&&” indicates a logical product operation, and “==” indicates equality comparison).

(1) “V <Vsh” && “Strn == ON”
(2) “V <Vsh” &&“θ> θsh”
(3) “L <Lsh” && “ΔV <ΔVsh”
(4) “L <Lsh” && “Strn == ON”
(5) "L <Lsh"&&"θ>θsh"
In addition, it is preferable to ensure the accuracy of the course change determination by appropriately combining two or more conditions including “Sotr == ON”. In other words, due to the uncertainty of determination under only one condition (for example, “θ> θsh”), there is a possibility that inappropriate irradiation control may be performed in the course change to an intersection or the like, and sufficient antiglare measures are taken. There is a risk that it will not be taken. In the above example, for convenience of explanation, one threshold value for comparison determination is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and situation determination can be performed in more detail using a plurality of threshold values. Of course, fuzzy logic or the like can be adopted as well as Boolean logic such as "".

  The irradiation direction control means 7 is provided to change the irradiation direction of light from the light source 2a of the headlamp 2 toward the front of the vehicle in the vertical plane in response to the determination signal from the course change determination means 6. The means 7 basically controls the optical axis of the headlamp 2 in the vertical direction (leveling control), but the control in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) may be appropriately combined.

  The irradiation range control unit 8 is provided to change the irradiation range and the irradiation light amount of light from the light source 2a toward the front of the vehicle in response to the determination signal from the course change determination unit 6. The means 8 mainly controls the shape of the upper edge (cut-off line) of the irradiation range and controls the dimming thereof.

  The light distribution distribution control means 9 is provided to change the light distribution of light traveling from the light source 2a toward the front of the vehicle in response to the determination signal from the course change determination means 6, and is mainly composed of a light intensity central portion (a so-called hot intensity center). Zone) movement control or dimming control thereof.

  The above system configuration is realized, for example, by connecting a navigation ECU (electronic control unit), a lamp irradiation control ECU, an operation information acquisition ECU, and the like through a network such as an in-vehicle LAN. Control and the like are realized using a CPU (central processing unit) in the ECU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU.

  As for the system to which the present invention is applied, the following configurations (I) and (II) are exemplified.

(I) In the case of turning left or right at an intersection, etc., the irradiation direction of the headlamp is changed to the front and downward, and a part of the irradiation range is shaded or dimmed. (II) In this case, the irradiation direction of the headlamp is changed to the front downward direction, and the luminous intensity center part in the light distribution is moved in a predetermined direction, or the dimming control of the luminous intensity center part is performed.

  First, (I) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern on the front screen at the time of low beam (passing beam) irradiation in order to explain the irradiation range by leveling control. In the figure, the “HH” line indicates a horizontal line, and the “VV” line indicates a vertical line.

  Irradiation immediately before or simultaneously with the start of the course change, when the course change determination means 6 determines that the course change beyond the predetermined angle is made, such as when making a right or left turn at an intersection. It is preferable to change the irradiation direction by the direction control means 7 so as to be directed downward. That is, as shown by the arrow “D” in FIG. 2, the glare reduction effect can be obtained by lowering the light distribution pattern 10 as a whole.

  In the case of a headlamp provided with a control mechanism (so-called leveling mechanism) for tilting the reflecting mirror and the lamp unit up and down in a vertical plane including the optical axis direction, the light is controlled by leveling control when turning left or right at the intersection. Even if the shaft is adjusted downward, the forward visibility of the host vehicle is not impaired. Moreover, the glare to the oncoming vehicle can be sufficiently reduced by lowering the position of the luminous intensity center portion 10hz (hot zone) indicated by hatching in FIG.

  Along with such irradiation direction control, it is preferable that the irradiation range control means 8 blocks a part of the light that travels in the far range in front of the host vehicle within the irradiation range or performs dimming control on the part.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern at the time of low beam irradiation in order to explain an example of controlling the irradiation range. The meanings of “HH” line and “VV line” shown in FIG. As described above.

  (A) In the light distribution pattern 11 shown in the figure, the cut-off line CLa on the own lane side (the left side of the VV line) is inclined at a predetermined angle (15 °) with respect to the HH line, and the opposite lane The cut-off line CLb on the side extends parallel to the HH line immediately below it.

  When turning left or right at an intersection, as shown in the light distribution pattern 12 shown in FIG. (B), a part of the region located directly below the own lane side cut-off line CLa is shielded to change its shape. In this example, as shown by “CLc” in the figure, the shape is a straight line located slightly above the HH line (the connection portion between “CLb” and “CLc” is 45 °). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a straight line shape (see “CLd” indicated by a broken line) extending in parallel with the HH line, just like the cut-off line CLb. Absent.

  Further, in the application of the present invention, not only the shape change due to the light shielding but also a light reduction control, that is, a means for reducing the amount of light toward the region near the upper edge of the irradiation range may be taken.

  The combination with the leveling control described above makes it possible to sufficiently suppress the dazzling light on the oncoming vehicle when turning right or left. For example, it is preferable to change the shape of the irradiation range based on detection information of a pedestrian by an in-vehicle camera system. That is, when it is determined that there is no pedestrian in front of the host vehicle, the shape of the own lane side cut-off line is changed as shown in FIG. 3B to reduce glare to other vehicles near the intersection. Let

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example 13 of a headlamp, and shows a projection type lamp configuration using a reflecting mirror 14, a light shielding member (shade) 15, and a projection lens 16.

  In the drawing, the light emitting portion of the light source 17 attached to the reflecting mirror 14 is positioned on the optical axis indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, the cylindrical light shielding member 15 is positioned in the vicinity of the optical axis in front of it, and the projection lens further in front. 16 is located.

  The light shielding member 15 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is supported in a state where it can be rotated using a driving means 18 such as a motor. The first portion 15a that defines the cut-off line shape on the opposite lane side and the rotational position The second portion 15b that defines the cut-off line shape on the own lane side is integrally configured. The first portion 15a is a portion having symmetry around the rotation axis. Also, the second portion 15b has a different cross-sectional shape (asymmetric shape around the rotation axis) depending on the rotational position in order to define the own lane side cut line (see CLa, CLc) in FIG.

  The cross-sectional shape along the rotation axis of the light shielding member 15 is controlled by the control of the rotation position so that the second portion 15b has an inclined cut-off line of 15 ° as shown on the upper side of the rotation axis “AA” in FIG. A corresponding cross-sectional position is selected, or a cross-sectional position corresponding to the horizontal cutoff line is selected for the second portion 15b, as shown below the “AA” line. For convenience of illustration, the light shielding member 15 is shown as if it needs to be rotated by 180 °, but in reality, the two motors are controlled by rotating the light shielding member 15 at a small angle by controlling the drive motor. The cross-sectional position can be switched.

  In addition, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the upper edge shape corresponding to the rotation position is selected by the rotation control of the light shielding member 15. For example, a plurality of plate-shaped light shielding members are prepared and selected to select the cutoff line. The form etc. which switch a shape are mentioned.

  Next, (II) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this embodiment, when turning right or left at an intersection or the like, when it is determined by the route change determination unit 6 that a route change beyond a predetermined angle is performed, the irradiation direction control unit 7 sets the irradiation direction. The light intensity distribution control means 9 moves the light intensity central portion (hot zone) in the light distribution distribution in a predetermined direction or dimmes the light intensity central portion while being changed to the front downward direction (see FIG. 2). Control is performed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern at the time of low beam irradiation in order to explain light distribution distribution control. The meanings of the “HH” line and “VV” line shown in the figure are already described. As described above.

  (A) The figure shows the light distribution pattern before the host vehicle reaches the front intersection, and also shows the irradiation pattern 20 of the cornering lamp on the left side of the low beam light distribution pattern 19.

  The light intensity center portion 19hz (the light intensity is a relatively high range and is irradiated toward the far region) in the low beam light distribution pattern 19 is slightly below the intersection of the HH line and the VV line. This is a range (see the shaded area in the figure).

  (B) The figure has shown the light distribution pattern in case the own vehicle approachs an intersection and turns left.

  As indicated by an arrow “M”, the light intensity center 21 is moved in the traveling direction (leftward in this example) by the light distribution control, and overlaps the irradiation pattern 20 of the cornering lamp.

  It should be noted that, as in the present example, a control mode in which the light intensity center portion 19hz is dimmed in FIG. For example, in the embodiment using the projection type headlamp shown in FIG. 4, by changing the position (height) of the light shielding member 15, the height of the upper edge of the light distribution pattern 22 is changed as shown by the broken line in FIG. And the hot zone can be dimmed.

  In the light distribution, the hot zone is necessary for visual recognition in the distance, but visibility is lost even if the hot zone is dimmed when the driver's gaze range is relatively close (such as when turning left or right at an intersection). I will not.

  In addition, by moving the hot zone according to the direction of the course change when turning left or right as described above, the visibility of the destination to bend is improved, and the driver can easily recognize pedestrians and the like, which increases safety. .

  Combining such light distribution control with the leveling control described above can sufficiently take measures to prevent glare from oncoming vehicles, and can reduce the amount of hot zone movement and the amount of light reduction necessary to reduce glare. The effect is obtained.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the control operation, in which the leveling control is shown in the upper stage and the movement control of the hot zone is shown in the lower stage. The meaning of each symbol shown in the figure is as follows.

-"Start" = start point of right or left turn-"End" = end point of right or left turn-"tt" = time point during right or left turn (in the figure, between "Start" and "End" (It shows an almost intermediate position, but the position changes depending on the course change.)
“Lv0” = leveling control value before and after the start of the right or left turn. “Lv1” = leveling control value when the headlight irradiation direction is in the most downward direction during the right turn or the left turn. hz0 ”= Hot zone movement control value before and after the start of the right or left turn. ・“ hz1 ”= Hot zone movement control value at the maximum during the right or left turn.

  When the turn change determination means 6 determines the start of the course change of the host vehicle when making a right turn or a left turn at an intersection, the leveling control amount according to the steering angle, the vehicle speed, etc. The control amount in the vertical direction) is calculated. By the leveling control from lv0 to lv1, the irradiation direction of the headlamp is continuously changed to be changed to the front downward state. In parallel with this control, movement control of the hot zone is performed from hz0 to hz1.

  In this example, after the time “tt”, the leveling control value is continuously returned from lv1 to lv0, and the movement control value of the hot zone is continuously returned from hz1 to hz0. When the end of the course change is determined in “End”, the irradiation direction is returned to the irradiation direction before the course change, and the hot zone is returned to the position before the course change.

  In addition, as indicated by a one-dot chain line ga in FIG. 8, a mode is also possible in which the return start time (see “ts”) related to hot zone movement control is temporally preceded by the return start time “tt” related to leveling control. It is. For example, after the movement control value of the hot zone changes from hz0 and shows a certain value at time “ts”, it changes toward hz0 and returns to the original value hz0 at time “tt”. It is.

  As described above, there are various forms of control for moving the luminous intensity center in conjunction with the change in the irradiation direction of the headlamps, but changes that give the driver a sense of incongruity that place importance on reducing glare are not possible. Should be avoided. In this example, the leveling control value and the change control value of the hot zone have linearity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a step change using a stepped wave or a curvilinear change is possible. Control is also possible (however, in consideration of simplification of the control configuration, smooth controllability, etc., it is preferable to employ linear characteristics or control characteristics close thereto).

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the control operation, in which leveling control is shown in the upper stage and movement control of the hot zone is shown in the lower stage.

  Differences from the above example are as follows.

At a certain point in time from “Start” to “tt” (see “tm”), the leveling control value reaches lv1, and then is fixed at lv1 over a certain period of time, and then at a certain time (see “tn”). Changing toward lv0 at the time point ・ The movement control value of the hot zone reaches hz1 at the time point “tm”, and changes from here toward hz0.

  In this example, the leveling control amount changes in a relatively short time from “Start” to “tm”, and the irradiation direction of the headlamp is in a state of facing forward and downward. In conjunction with this control, movement control of the hot zone is performed from hz0 to hz1, and the return to the original state is started from the time “tm”. That is, by performing leveling control and hot zone movement in a time period ("Start" to "tt") that is early in the course change, irradiation control according to the driver's gaze range of the own vehicle, It is possible to achieve both dazzling prevention for the driver.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the control operation, in which the upper level shows leveling control and the lower level shows a change in light output of the hot zone. The meaning of each symbol shown in the figure is as follows.

“Op100” = relative value of the light output of the hot zone before and after the start of the right or left turn (assumed to be “100%”)
“Opmin” = relative value when the light output of the hot zone becomes the lowest during a right turn or a left turn.

  The meanings of “Start”, “End”, “tt”, “lv0”, and “lv1” are as described above.

  When the start of the course change of the host vehicle is determined by the course change determination means 6 at the time of a right turn or a left turn at an intersection, the headlamp illumination direction is changed by leveling control from lv0 to lv1 as described above. It changes continuously and is changed to the state of the front downward.

  Regarding the control of the light output at this time, for example, there are a method of immediately changing from op100 to opmin as shown by a solid line and a method of continuously reducing from op100 to opmin as shown by a two-dot chain line gb. is there.

  Such dimming control is temporary and is canceled during the progress of leveling control to lv1. For example, the light output continuously recovers from opmin to op100, and returns to the original light amount at “tt”.

  In this example, after the time of “tt”, the leveling control value is continuously returned from lv1 to lv0, and when the end of the course change is determined at “End”, the irradiation direction is the same as that before the course change. It has returned to the irradiation direction.

  Note that, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line gc, the light output may be gradually increased to opmin from the start of the course change to the time “tt”, and then the light output may be gradually increased to return to op100. . Alternatively, the light output may be immediately returned from opmin to op100 at the time of “tt”, but it is desirable to control the light output so that the driver of the host vehicle does not feel uncomfortable due to the change in the light amount.

  Leveling control alone requires, for example, control exceeding the lv1 value as indicated by the broken line gd, and the influence on the front field of the host vehicle is a problem. By combining dimming control with leveling control, oncoming vehicles It is possible to control the irradiation direction of the headlamp with the leveling control value that is the minimum necessary for the glare prevention effect.

  In addition to a mode in which leveling control and hot zone movement control or dimming control are performed synchronously, a mode in which a time difference (timing deviation, etc.) is added between the two controls, etc. Implementation in various forms according to the environment is possible.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the control operation, in which leveling control is shown in the upper stage and light output control of the hot zone is shown in the lower stage.

  Differences from the above example are as follows.

At a certain point in time (see “tn”) after the leveling control value reaches lv1 at a certain point in time from “Start” to “tt” (see “tm”) and then fixed at lv1 over a certain period of time. Changing toward lv0 at the time point • The dimming of the hot zone is canceled in a relatively short time after “Start”, reaches op100 at the time point “tm”, and returns to the original state.

  In this example, the leveling control amount changes in a relatively short time from “Start” to “tm”, and the irradiation direction of the headlamp is in a state of facing forward and downward. In synchronism with this control, the optical output is gradually recovered after once decreasing from op100 to opmin, and returns to the original state at the time of “tm”. That is, the leveling control and the dimming control are performed synchronously in a time period (“Start” to “tt”) earlier in the course change.

  Not limited to this example, as indicated by a one-dot chain line ge, the light output is fixed in the middle of gradually recovering from opmin, and the light output increases from “tn” to op100 to “End”. Various control modes are possible, such as returning to the original state at the time.

  The above control example is not limited to the dimming control in the hot zone, but can be similarly applied to the dimming control in the vicinity of the cut-off line in the light distribution pattern. In this case, “op100” Represents the relative value of the light output toward the area before and after the start of the right or left turn, and “opmin” represents the relative value when the light output toward the area shows the lowest level during the right turn or the left turn. .

  As a lamp configuration for moving the hot zone or dimming, for example, a multi-lamp type lamp device 23 shown in FIG.

  In this example, the lamp units 24H, 24H,... And 24L, 24L,... Are arranged in two upper and lower rows, and the light beams emitted from the lamp units are combined to form a low beam light distribution.

  Among the lamp units 24H arranged in the upper stage, the specific lamp unit 24HZ mainly contributes to the formation of the hot zone, the light intensity control of the lamp units 24HZ is performed by the dimming control unit 25, and the lamp unit 24H Horizontal control related to the irradiation direction of the unit 24HZ is performed. In the hot zone movement control, for example, there is a configuration form including a swivel mechanism for controlling the irradiation direction of each lamp unit 24HZ in a horizontal plane and its driving unit, and swivel control of a plurality of lamp units is performed collectively. Or a configuration in which swivel control is performed for each lamp unit.

  For all the lamp units 24H, 24H,... And 24L, 24L,..., The leveling control unit 27 collectively controls the vertical direction related to the irradiation direction. For example, a known configuration in which the support member of the lamp unit is tilted in the vertical plane using a leveling actuator is employed.

  As the configuration of the lamp unit, as shown in FIG. 13, an example in which a semiconductor light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) is used as the light source 28 and a reflecting mirror 29, a shade 30, a lens 31, and the like is used.

  When making a right turn or a left turn at an intersection or the like, as shown in FIG. 5A, the lamp unit 24HZ is adjusted in the downward direction by the leveling control unit 27 (see “Δv”), and the course by the swivel control unit 26 The direction is adjusted in the change direction (see “Δh”). Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the irradiation directions of the lamp units 24H (except 24HZ) and 24L are controlled downward by the leveling control unit 27 (see “Δv”).

  The light amount control of the lamp unit 24HZ can be easily realized by performing dimming by dimming control of the light source or by turning off the light source of a specific lamp unit. Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which the dimming control of the lamp unit and the movement control of the hot zone are combined.

  Such control can also be applied to a configuration in which light directed to the vicinity of the own lane side cut-off line in the low beam light distribution pattern is mainly formed by irradiation light of a specific lamp unit. When turning left or turning left, it is possible to take glare countermeasures against oncoming vehicles by performing dimming control in the vicinity of the own lane side cut-off line.

  In the application of the present invention, since the type of the light source is not limited, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which various lamp units using a discharge lamp, an incandescent bulb, or the like as a light source are combined. For example, in application to a headlamp for an automobile, various configuration forms capable of swivel control and leveling control are known, and irradiation direction control as shown in FIG. 13 can be performed when the route is changed.

  As can be seen from the above description, according to the above configuration, the following advantages can be obtained.

・ When making a right or left turn at an intersection, etc., it is possible to take sufficient measures to prevent glare on the oncoming vehicle, and the front visibility of the host vehicle will not be impaired. Compared to a system that performs light control, the configuration is simple, and it does not involve complicated control or significant cost increase.

It is a figure which shows the basic structural example which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure form based on this invention with FIG. 3, This figure is a figure for demonstrating the leveling control at the time of low beam irradiation. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of an irradiation range. It is the schematic which shows the structural example of a headlamp. It is a figure for demonstrating the shape change of the cut-off line by rotation control of a light shielding member. It is explanatory drawing which shows another structural form which concerns on this invention with FIG. 7 thru | or FIG. 11, and this figure is a figure which shows the example of light distribution distribution control. It is explanatory drawing in the case of performing light reduction control by reducing the height of the upper edge part of a light distribution pattern. It is a timing chart figure showing an example of control operation at the time of combining leveling control and movement control of a hot zone. It is a timing chart figure showing another example of control operation at the time of combining leveling control and movement control of a hot zone. It is a timing chart figure which shows the example of control operation at the time of combining leveling control and light output control of a hot zone. It is a timing chart figure showing another example of control operation at the time of combining leveling control and light output control of a hot zone. It is a figure which shows a multi-lamp type lamp device as an example of a lamp. It is explanatory drawing of the irradiation direction control of each lamp unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the conventional problem.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle headlamp system, 2 ... Headlamp, 2a ... Light source, 6 ... Course change determination means, 7 ... Irradiation direction control means, 8 ... Irradiation range control means, 9 ... Light distribution distribution control means

Claims (4)

In a vehicle headlamp system that performs light distribution control of a headlamp according to a change in the course of the vehicle,
A course change judging means for judging whether or not a course change of a set angle or more is performed from the straight running direction with respect to the traveling direction of the host vehicle;
An irradiation direction control means for changing the irradiation direction of the headlamp in the vertical plane;
An irradiation range control means for changing the irradiation range by the headlamp and the amount of irradiation light,
When it is determined by the route change determination means that the route change beyond the set angle is performed, the irradiation direction control means changes the irradiation direction of the headlamp to the front downward and the irradiation range control means. The vehicle headlamp system according to claim 1, wherein a part of the light traveling toward a far area in front of the host vehicle is blocked or the dimming control of the part is performed. In a vehicle headlamp system that performs light distribution control of a headlamp according to a change in the course of the vehicle,
A course change judging means for judging whether or not a course change of a set angle or more is performed from the straight running direction with respect to the traveling direction of the host vehicle;
An irradiation direction control means for changing the irradiation direction of the headlamp in the vertical plane;
A light distribution distribution control means for changing the light distribution of light from the light source of the headlamp toward the front of the vehicle,
When it is determined by the route change determination means that a route change of the set angle or more is performed, the irradiation direction control means changes the irradiation direction of the headlamp downward and forwards the light distribution distribution control. The vehicle headlamp system, wherein the light intensity center portion in the light distribution is moved in a predetermined direction or the light intensity control of the light intensity center is performed by the means. In the vehicle headlamp system according to claim 1,
When the course of the host vehicle is started, the headlight illumination direction changes continuously and changes to the front downward direction, and the light dimming control is linked to the temporary dimming control or irradiation direction change. Are performed in parallel, and when the course change of the host vehicle is completed, the irradiation direction is returned to the irradiation direction before the course change and the amount of irradiation light before the course change is restored. Headlamp system. In the vehicle headlamp system according to claim 2,
When the course change of the host vehicle is started, the illumination direction of the headlamp is continuously changed to be changed to the forward downward direction, and the light intensity central portion is moved in conjunction with the change of the illumination direction. And when the course change of the own vehicle is completed, the irradiation direction is returned to the irradiation direction before the course change, and the light distribution is returned to the state before the course change. system.

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