JP2013054956A - Automotive headlamp apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automotive headlamp apparatus having a simple structure to reduce the cost.SOLUTION: The automotive headlamp apparatus includes a light source having a plurality of LED chips arranged in a matrix form and capable of irradiating in front of a vehicle with light, and a control unit for controlling lighting-up and lights-out of the plurality of LED chips included in the light source. The plurality of LED chips includes a plurality of high luminance LED chips 12d for emitting light toward a first section included in an irradiated range in front of the vehicle, and a plurality of medium luminance LED chips 12e for emitting light toward a second section which is included in the irradiated range and is different from the first section. The control unit includes a first drive unit for driving the plurality of high luminance LED chips which are divided into the number of groups fewer than the number of the high luminance LED chips 12d per each group, and a second drive unit for driving the plurality of medium luminance LED chips which are divided into the number of groups fewer than the number of medium luminance LED chips 12e per each group.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle headlamp device.

  Conventionally, an illuminating device has been devised that can generate different illuminance distributions by a light source including a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged adjacent to each other vertically and horizontally in a matrix (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-40528 A

  However, when the input current is monitored for each light emitting diode so that each of the light emitting diodes arranged in a matrix has a predetermined brightness, and the control is performed so that the predetermined current is obtained, the drive circuit is provided for each light emitting diode. Necessary. Therefore, the cost of the entire apparatus increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle headlamp device with a simplified configuration and reduced cost.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a vehicle headlamp device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a light source in which a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix and can emit light toward the front of the vehicle, and the light source includes And a controller that controls turning on / off of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements. The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements include a plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements that emit light toward a first section included in an irradiation area in front of the vehicle, and a second different from the first section included in the irradiation area. And a plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements that emit light toward the compartment and have different characteristics from the first semiconductor light emitting elements. The control unit is configured to drive a plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements divided into groups smaller than the number of first semiconductor light emitting elements for each group, and the number of second semiconductor light emitting elements. A second driving unit configured to drive a plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements divided into a small number of groups for each group;

  According to this aspect, since the number of groups to be driven is smaller than the number of semiconductor light emitting elements, the configuration of the drive unit can be simplified. Moreover, the cost of the light source can be reduced by selecting a semiconductor light emitting element having appropriate characteristics corresponding to each section included in the irradiation region.

  The first semiconductor light emitting element may be composed of elements having different luminances when the same current flows as compared to the second semiconductor light emitting element. Thereby, it becomes easy to change the brightness depending on each section included in the irradiation region.

  The first semiconductor light emitting element may be composed of elements having different maximum forward current ratings as compared to the second semiconductor light emitting element. Thereby, it becomes easy to change the brightness depending on each section included in the irradiation region.

  The first semiconductor light emitting element is arranged so that the first section includes the central portion of the irradiation region, and the control unit causes the luminance of the first semiconductor light emitting element to be higher than the luminance of the second semiconductor light emitting element. In addition, turning on / off of the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element may be controlled. Thereby, the center part of an irradiation area | region can be made brighter.

  The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements may be arranged such that the light emitting surface faces the front of the vehicle. This eliminates the need for a reflecting member such as a reflector.

  The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements may be arranged such that the light emitting surface is rectangular and the sides of the light emitting surface are inclined with respect to the vehicle width direction. Thereby, it becomes easy to form an oblique cut-off line. Also, the horizontal cut-off line can be blurred.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is also a vehicle headlamp device. This apparatus includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements arranged in a matrix, a light source capable of irradiating light forward of the vehicle, and a control unit that controls turning on / off of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements included in the light source. . The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements includes a plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements arranged in a first block of a region where the semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix, and a region where the semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix And a plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements arranged in a second block different from the first block and having different characteristics from the first semiconductor light emitting element. The control unit is configured to drive a plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements divided into groups smaller than the number of first semiconductor light emitting elements for each group, and the number of second semiconductor light emitting elements. A second driving unit configured to drive a plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements divided into a small number of groups for each group;

  According to this aspect, since the number of groups to be driven is smaller than the number of semiconductor light emitting elements, the configuration of the drive unit can be simplified. In addition, the cost of the light source can be reduced by selecting a semiconductor light emitting element having appropriate characteristics corresponding to each block included in the region where the semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a representation obtained by converting the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, and the like are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the structure can be simplified and the vehicle headlamp apparatus which reduced cost can be provided.

It is the schematic block diagram which looked at the vehicle headlamp apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment from the side. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the light source which arranged the some LED chip shown in FIG. 1 in matrix. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the light source which arranged the some LED chip shown in FIG. 1 in matrix. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the various LED chip in the matrix LED which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a headlight system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of a driver circuit device and a channel circuit (group). It is the schematic diagram which showed the example of a connection of the LED chip of each channel in matrix LED. Fig.8 (a)-FIG.8 (c) are circuit diagrams which show the state which connected the channel circuit and the some LED chip in parallel. Fig.9 (a)-FIG.9 (c) are circuit diagrams which show the state which connected the channel circuit and the some LED chip in series. 10A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming a high beam, and FIG. 10B shows a light distribution pattern formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. FIG. 11A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the basic beam (BL), and FIG. 11B shows an arrangement formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 11A. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. 12A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the town beam (TL), and FIG. 12B shows a layout formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 12A. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. FIG. 13A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when the motorway beam (ML) is formed, and FIG. 13B shows a lighting state of the matrix LED shown in FIG. 13A. It is a figure which shows a light distribution pattern. 14A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the wet beam (WL), and FIG. 14B shows an arrangement formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 14A. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. FIG. 15A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the ADB, and FIG. 15B shows a light distribution pattern formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a DRL light distribution pattern, FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a normal high beam light distribution pattern, and FIG. 16C is a diagram showing a high beam distribution required when the DRL is shared. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of an FOG lamp, FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a normal low beam light distribution pattern, and FIG. 17C is necessary when a FOG lamp is shared. It is a figure which shows a low beam light distribution pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control in the headlight system which concerns on this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

(Vehicle headlamp device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle headlamp device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side. The vehicle headlamp device 10 includes a light source 14 in which LED chips 12 that are a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged at intervals, a projection lens 16 that projects light emitted from the light source 14 as a light source image in front of the vehicle, and . The light source 14 includes an LED circuit board 18 and a heat sink 20. Here, F is the focal point, H is the principal point of the projection lens, f is the focal length, and fb is the back focus. In addition, the some LED chip 12 is arrange | positioned so that the light emission surface may face the vehicle front. This eliminates the need for a reflecting member such as a reflector.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a light source in which a plurality of LED chips shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in a matrix. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a light source in which a plurality of LED chips shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in a matrix. An optical system in which a light source composed of a plurality of LED chips (hereinafter referred to as “matrix LEDs”) arranged in a matrix in this way is directed to the front of the vehicle and a projection lens is arranged in front of the light source. The luminance distribution of the chip is projected forward.

  In the matrix LED shown in FIG. 2, the LED chips 12 are arranged so that the sides of the LED chip 12 having a rectangular light emitting surface are parallel to the horizontal direction (HH line).

  Further, in the matrix LED shown in FIG. 3, each LED chip 12 is arranged such that each side of the LED chip 12 having a rectangular light emitting surface is inclined (45 degrees with respect to the horizontal) with respect to the horizontal direction (vehicle width direction). Has been placed. In the case of such a matrix LED, when the LED chip in the region R1 surrounded by the dotted line is turned on and the other LED chips are turned off, the LED chips 12a to 12c that are lit are clearly inclined at 45 degrees. Offline is formed. Moreover, since the upper edge of the area | region R1 of the LED chip currently lighted has a sawtooth shape, the horizontal cut-off line can be blurred.

  By the way, in a headlight using a matrix LED, in order to form a predetermined light distribution pattern, it is conceivable to monitor the input current for each LED chip and control it to have a predetermined current. In this case, the number of channels of the drive circuit (driver) needs to be the same as the number of LED chips. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of cost.

  In addition, in the light distribution pattern, if the front road surface or the road shoulder is too bright, there is also a phenomenon that it is difficult for the driver to travel. Therefore, it is necessary to brighten the vicinity of the area (HV area) where the HH line and VV intersect in front of the vehicle, but it is preferable to reduce the amount of light in the vicinity. However, all the conventional matrix LEDs are arranged with high performance and expensive LED chips of the same specification, which leads to an increase in cost.

  Therefore, the present inventor diligently studied to reduce the cost of the light source using the matrix LED and came up with the following configuration.

(1) Cost reduction by using LED chips with different performance levels from zone division A matrix LED is divided into a plurality of zones, and chips of a predetermined performance level are arranged in each zone. A high-brightness (high current specification: expensive) LED chip is placed in the zone corresponding to the high light intensity of the light distribution, and a low-brightness (low current specification: cheap) LED chip is placed in the zone corresponding to the low light intensity. As a whole, the cost is reduced.

(2) Cost reduction by reducing the number of channels Cost is reduced by simultaneously controlling a plurality of LED chips in each zone (controlling a plurality of LED chips with one driver channel).

(3) Cost reduction by sharing with other function lamps (combination of light distribution) Peripheral visual field outside 4 degrees above and below the line of sight in the vicinity of the HV region and outside 10 degrees right and left is adequate. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a desired light distribution by superimposing a light distribution such as a DRL (Daytime running lamp), a FOG lamp, a clearance lamp with an increased illumination intensity, and the light distribution of the matrix LED. With such a configuration, there is a possibility that the number of LED chips, in particular, the number of low-luminance LED chips in the peripheral visual field portion can be reduced. Thereby, the cost of the matrix LED and its driver circuit can be reduced.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of various LED chips in the matrix LED according to the present embodiment.

  In the matrix LED in the light source 14 shown in FIG. 4, a high-brightness LED chip (level I) is arranged in the block B1 corresponding to the central visual field in front of the vehicle, and about 2 degrees vertically and 5 degrees horizontally on the screen in front of the vehicle. Irradiate the range. Further, a medium-brightness LED chip (level II) is disposed in the block B2 corresponding to the effective field of view in front of the vehicle, and irradiates a range of about 4 degrees vertically and 10 degrees left and right on the screen in front of the vehicle. Further, a low-brightness LED chip (level III) is arranged in the block B3 corresponding to the peripheral visual field in front of the vehicle, and irradiates a range of about 10 degrees up to 30 degrees on the screen in front of the vehicle.

  That is, the high-intensity LED chip of level I is in the central visual field block B1 near the HV region, the medium-intensity LED chip of level II is in the effective visual field block B2 outside, and the low-intensity LED chip of level III is further outside. Are arranged in the peripheral visual field block B3.

  Next, three zones into which the matrix LED according to the present embodiment is divided will be described.

  The zone Z1 is a range including the central visual field block B1 and a part of the effective visual field block B2 on the side thereof, and includes a high luminance LED chip of level I and a medium luminance LED chip of level II. . Each LED chip included in the zone Z1 has a 45 degree Z-cut (light / dark) such as BL (basic beam), ML (motorway beam), AL (wet beam) of AFS (Adaptive Front-Lighting System) light distribution. Boundary line) and its position, adjustment of the light intensity (luminous intensity) associated with the light distribution change of high beam, BL, ML, AL, etc., partial masking of irradiation area such as ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) and change of its position, etc. Involved in light distribution control.

  The LED chips included in the zone Z1 are simply turned on / off or dimmed. It is preferable that the number of channels of the driver corresponding to this portion can be achieved by the minimum number of channels of the light distribution control type + α. The details of the circuit configuration of the individual channel of the driver that achieves this will be described later, but a plurality of LED chips of the same level are dimmed simultaneously.

  The LED chips included in the zone Z2, which is the upper region of the zone Z1, are simply turned on / off in a high beam or ADB operating state. In the zone Z2, a plurality of LED chips having the same level are collectively turned on and off at a predetermined current value in one channel. For example, if five LED chips are turned on in one channel, the number of channels can be reduced to 1/5.

  The LED chip included in the zone Z3, which is the lower region of the zone Z1, irradiates the front road surface. The zone Z3 has a zone Z3 'at the center. The LED chip placed in the zone Z3 ′ is a part that is turned off under certain conditions in order to prevent the lighting from being specularly reflected on the road surface and giving glare to the oncoming vehicle when it rains. It is simply turned off or dimmed. Also in the zone Z3, a plurality of LED chips of the same level are collectively turned on and off at a predetermined current value in one channel. With such a circuit configuration, the number of channels of the driver can be reduced.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the configuration of the headlight control system will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the headlight system. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the driver circuit device and the channel circuit (group).

  The headlight system 100 includes left and right vehicle headlamp devices 10, a light distribution control ECU 102, a front monitoring ECU 104, and the like. As described above, the vehicle headlamp device 10 includes the light source 14 made of a matrix LED, the projection lens 16, and a lamp body that houses them. Each vehicle headlamp device 10 is connected to an actuator (not shown) for swiveling the matrix LED and the lamp body.

  The forward monitoring ECU 104 is connected to various sensors such as an in-vehicle camera 108, a radar 110, and a vehicle speed sensor 112. The forward monitoring ECU 104 performs image processing on the imaging data acquired from the sensor, detects a forward vehicle (an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle), other bright objects on the road, and lane markings (lane marks), and their attributes, positions, and roads Data necessary for light distribution control such as the shape of the road and the wet condition of the road surface is calculated. The calculated data is transmitted to the light distribution control ECU 102 and various in-vehicle devices via an in-vehicle LAN.

  The light distribution control ECU 102 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 112, a steering angle sensor 114, a GPS navigation 116, a headlamp switch (HL-SW) 118, and the like. The light distribution control ECU 102 sends information such as the road surface status, attributes of the bright objects on the road (oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles, reflectors, road lighting), their positions (front and side), and vehicle speed sent from the front monitoring ECU 104. Based on the above, the light distribution pattern corresponding to the traveling scene is determined. Further, the light distribution control ECU 102 takes into account information such as the road shape, lanes, and traffic volume data calculated based on the data acquired from the steering angle sensor 114 and the GPS navigation 116, and the light distribution corresponding to the travel scene. A pattern may be determined. Further, the light distribution control ECU 102 may determine the light distribution pattern corresponding to the traveling scene in consideration of the information of the headlamp switch 118.

  In this way, the light distribution control ECU 102 determines a predetermined beam selection by AFS and ADB light distribution corresponding to the traveling scene based on the above-described various information. Then, the light distribution control ECU 102 determines the lighting control of the common lamp 106 and the control amount of the light distribution variable headlamp necessary for realizing the light distribution pattern. Here, the control amount includes, for example, selection of LED chips to be lit of the matrix LED and energization channels, vertical / horizontal beam movement amounts, the position and range of the masking portion (light-shielding region), input power, and the like.

  The driver circuit device 120 selects channels (LED chips in the matrix LED) to be controlled based on the light distribution control content from the light distribution control ECU 102 and determines their control amounts (energization amount and the like).

  The channel circuit (group) 122 is a circuit group in which LED chips to be turned on in the matrix LED are selected, and a plurality of chips having the same performance level are connected in one channel.

  The shared lamp 106 is a DRL or FOG lamp. The shared lamp 106 constitutes a part of a beam for assisting the projection type headlight using the matrix LED, and forms various light distributions, a high beam, and the like of the AFS in cooperation with the headlight. With this auxiliary beam, the light distribution performance required for the matrix LED can be suppressed, and the cost of the circuit and the LED chip can be reduced.

  Next, a plurality of LED chips connected to each channel will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of connection of LED chips of each channel in the matrix LED. In addition, the dotted line which the code | symbol CL of a figure points out corresponds to the cut-off line of a light distribution pattern.

  The high-intensity LED chips 12d arranged in the block B1 are configured so that lighting control can be performed in pairs. In addition, the LED chips to be combined are LED chips that are adjacent to each other in the upper left or the lower right so as to be matched with the 45 degree cut-off shape. And the high intensity part of the center of a high beam is formed by irradiation of such a set of two high brightness LED chips 12d. In addition, by moving the blinking of a pair of two LED chips in the horizontal direction, it is possible to cope with ADB masking control.

  Of the medium-brightness LED chips arranged in the block B2, the LED chips 12e1 in the vicinity of the H line are controlled to be lit in pairs, and are configured to support ADB control. In addition, among the medium-brightness LED chips, the LED chips 12e2 arranged on the upper side or the lower side of the LED chip 12e1 are controlled to be turned on in groups of three. And light distribution required for an effective visual field is formed by irradiation of such 2 or 3 sets of medium brightness LED chips 12e1 and 12e2.

  The low-brightness LED chip 12f arranged in the block B3 is configured so that lighting control can be performed in groups of four, except for a part (AL road surface light shielding zone Z3 'in AFS).

  By arranging LED chips having various luminances as shown in FIG. 7, not only ADB light distribution but also all light distributions by AFS can be realized.

  Next, an example of circuit connection between the channel circuit and the LED chip in the matrix LED will be described. Fig.8 (a)-FIG.8 (c) are circuit diagrams which show the state which connected the channel circuit and the some LED chip in parallel. Fig.9 (a)-FIG.9 (c) are circuit diagrams which show the state which connected the channel circuit and the some LED chip in series.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 9A to 9C, the connection circuit may be a parallel circuit or a series circuit. The driver circuit devices 120a, 120b, and 120c therein usually include a circuit group such as a power supply, a switch, and a resistor. The channel circuit connects the driver circuit devices 120a, 120b, and 120c to each LED chip in the matrix LED. The channel circuit group is a normal circuit line group.

  The number of LED chips connected in the channel circuit is larger in the low-brightness LED chip 12f than in the high-brightness LED chip 12d. In the present embodiment, the low-luminance LED chip is installed so as to correspond to the peripheral portion (peripheral visual field) of the light distribution. This peripheral light distribution portion has a wide allowable range of light distribution values. In general, low-brightness LED chips are inexpensive and therefore have large performance variations. Therefore, by making each LED chip arranged in each block of the matrix LED have a circuit configuration as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C and FIGS. 9A to 9C. The number of channels is reduced, the cost of the circuit is reduced, and the cost of the matrix LED is also reduced.

  As described above, in the vehicle headlamp device 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the LED chips 12 are arranged in a matrix as a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, and the vehicle front side A light source 14 capable of irradiating light and a control unit that controls turning on / off of the plurality of LED chips 12 included in the light source 14. The control unit includes a light distribution control ECU 102, a driver circuit device 120, a channel circuit (group) 122, and the like.

  The plurality of LED chips 12 includes a plurality of high-intensity LED chips 12d that emit light toward a first section (for example, a central visual field) included in the irradiation area in front of the vehicle, and a first section included in the irradiation area. A plurality of medium-brightness LED chips 12e1 and 12e2 and low-brightness LED chips 12f having characteristics different from those of the high-brightness LED chip 12d. ,including.

  As described above, since the high-brightness LED chips 12d are controlled to be turned on in pairs, the high-brightness LED chips 12d are divided into groups smaller than the number of high-brightness LED chips included in the matrix LED. Each group is driven by the driver circuit device 120a (see FIG. 8A or FIG. 9A). Further, since the medium luminance LED chips 12e1 and 12e2 are controlled by a set of two or three, they are divided into groups having a number smaller than the number of medium luminance LED chips. Then, each group is driven by the driver circuit device 120b (see FIG. 8B or FIG. 9B). Further, since the low-brightness LED chips 12f are controlled as a set of four, the low-brightness LED chips 12f are divided into groups having a smaller number than the number of low-brightness LED chips. Each group is driven by the driver circuit device 120c (see FIG. 8C or FIG. 9C).

  Thus, in the vehicle headlamp device 10, the number of groups to be driven is smaller than the number of LED chips, so that the configuration of the driver circuit device 120 and the channel circuit (group) 122 can be simplified. Further, the cost of the light source can be reduced by selecting an LED chip having appropriate characteristics corresponding to each section (center visual field, effective visual field, peripheral visual field) included in the irradiation region.

  In the present embodiment, the high-luminance LED chip has a higher luminance when the same current is passed than the medium-luminance LED chip and the low-luminance LED chip. In addition, the high-brightness LED chip has a higher maximum forward current rating than the medium-brightness LED chip and the low-brightness LED chip. Thereby, it becomes easy to change the brightness depending on each section included in the irradiation region.

  Moreover, the high-intensity LED chip is arranged so that the irradiation area includes a central visual field that is the central portion of the light distribution pattern. Then, the control unit controls turning on / off of the high-brightness LED chip, the middle-brightness LED chip, and the low-brightness LED chip so that the brightness of the high-brightness LED chip is higher than that of the medium-brightness LED chip or the low-brightness LED chip. To do. Thereby, the center part of an irradiation area | region can be made brighter.

  Each LED chip is arranged such that the light emitting surface is rectangular and the side of the light emitting surface is inclined (45 ° in the present embodiment) with respect to the vehicle width direction. Thereby, it becomes easy to form an oblique cut-off line. Also, the horizontal cut-off line can be blurred.

  Moreover, the vehicle headlamp device according to the present embodiment has the following configuration in other words. In the vehicle headlamp device 10, as shown in FIG. 4, the matrix LED includes a plurality of high-intensity LED chips 12d arranged in the block B1 and a plurality of medium-intensity LED chips 12e arranged in the block B2. And a plurality of low-intensity LED chips 12f arranged in the block B3.

  As described above, the high brightness LED chip 12d is driven by the driver circuit device 120a for each group, the medium brightness LED chip 12e is driven by the driver circuit device 120b for each group, and the low brightness LED chip 12f is driven for each group. It is driven by the driver circuit device 120c.

Thus, in the vehicle headlamp device 10, the number of groups to be driven is smaller than the number of LED chips, so that the configuration of the driver circuit device 120 and the channel circuit (group) 122 can be simplified. Further, the cost of the light source can be reduced by selecting an LED chip having appropriate characteristics corresponding to each block included in the matrix LED.

(Various light distribution patterns)
An example of light distribution of an AFS or ADB light distribution headlight using the matrix LED shown in FIG. 4 is shown. In addition, in each figure which shows the following light distribution patterns, it was shown by 1 square 0.5 degree. The division and arrangement of the matrix LED blocks are shown in the same orientation so that the correspondence with the light distribution pattern is easy to understand. However, since the image is actually inverted up and down and left and right in the lens system, The actual division and arrangement are reversed vertically and horizontally with respect to the state shown in the figure.

  10A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming a high beam, and FIG. 10B shows a light distribution pattern formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. In this case, all of the high-brightness LED chip 12d, the medium-brightness LED chip 12e, and the low-brightness LED chip 12f are turned on. In order to make it easier to see distant road alignments and visual objects, a high-brightness LED chip 12d is arranged in the vicinity of the HV region and is lit at the maximum output.

  FIG. 11A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the basic beam (BL), and FIG. 11B shows an arrangement formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 11A. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 11B is a basic beam in AFS, and has a light distribution performance substantially equivalent to that of the current low beam. Further, the LED chip corresponding to the upper part of the H line is turned off in order to form a clear light / dark boundary line. Further, in order to ensure the visibility of the distant road surface, the high-intensity LED chip 12d near the HV region and below the H line is lit at a high output.

  12A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the town beam (TL), and FIG. 12B shows a layout formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 12A. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 12B is an AFS town beam, and is used in a bright urban area with road illumination. In order to prevent glare, the light intensity above the H line of the basic beam is suppressed. Further, in order to reduce the illumination intensity, the LED beam 12d 'and the LED chip 12e' below the H line, which functioned as a high-brightness LED chip and a medium-brightness LED chip in the basic beam, are lit and turned on.

  FIG. 13A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when the motorway beam (ML) is formed, and FIG. 13B shows a lighting state of the matrix LED shown in FIG. 13A. It is a figure which shows a light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 13B is an AFS motorway beam, and is used when traveling on an expressway with an antiglare fence or the like. In order to ensure distant visibility, the high-brightness LED chip 12d in the vicinity of the HV region is lit at the maximum output as in the high beam. In addition, in order to improve the visibility in the distance compared to the basic beam, the light / dark boundary line on the preceding vehicle side and the oncoming vehicle side is raised by about 0.5 °. In addition, in the matrix LED, the LED chip that is one level higher than the basic beam is lit.

  14A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the wet beam (WL), and FIG. 14B shows an arrangement formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 14A. It is a figure which shows a light pattern. The light distribution pattern shown in FIG. 14B is an AFS wet beam, and is used when traveling in rainy weather. Although the light distribution performance is almost the same level as the motorway beam shown in FIG. 13B, the front road surface portion is darkened. As a result, specular reflection is performed on the road surface, and the generation of light fluxes that become glare of the oncoming vehicle is suppressed. Therefore, the LED chip 12 arranged in the lower central region R2 of the matrix LED is dimmed or turned off.

  FIG. 15A shows a lighting state of the matrix LED when forming the ADB, and FIG. 15B shows a light distribution pattern formed by the matrix LED in the lighting state shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. The basic light distribution of ADB is the same performance as the high beam, and it is a beam that masks the position of the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle so as not to give glare in the situation where the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle exist. is there. As shown in FIG. 15B, the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle move in the horizontal direction near the H line. The glare zone in the vertical direction ranges from 0.5 ° to 2.0 ° below the H line. Therefore, by turning off a part of the high-brightness LED chip 12d, as shown in FIG. 15B, a non-irradiation region R3 is formed according to the vehicle position, and glare to oncoming vehicles and preceding vehicles is almost eliminated. It is suppressed.

(Synthetic light distribution pattern with multi-function lamp)
Next, a description will be given of a light distribution pattern when the vehicle headlamp device according to the present embodiment is shared with a DRL or FOG lamp.

  16A is a diagram showing a DRL light distribution pattern, FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a normal high beam light distribution pattern, and FIG. 16C is a diagram showing a high beam distribution required when the DRL is shared. It is a figure which shows a light pattern.

  The DRL is a lamp for easily recognizing a vehicle during running during the day from the surroundings. In the light distribution standard ECE, the luminous intensity is 400 cd or more in the HV region, and the other range is 1200 cd or less. As shown in FIG. 16A, the DRL light distribution pattern P1 has a low light intensity and a wide light distribution. This is suitable for the light distribution requirement of the peripheral field part of the high beam and the low beam. Therefore, if the DRL light distribution is a wide light distribution as shown in FIG. 16A and the DRL is used as a lamp for assisting (sharing) the high beam at night, the high beam light distribution is shown in FIG. As shown, the luminous intensity distribution of the peripheral visual field (zones Z2 and Z3 shown in FIG. 4) can be reduced. This means that the number of LED chips in the peripheral visual field block B3 of the matrix LED can be reduced. Note that the DRL light distribution shown in FIG. 16A can be shared with the night low beam.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a light distribution pattern of an FOG lamp, FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a normal low beam light distribution pattern, and FIG. 17C is necessary when a FOG lamp is shared. It is a figure which shows a low beam light distribution pattern.

  The FOG lamp forms a beam that irradiates the road surface below the H line, and its diffusion range is wider than that of the low beam as shown in FIG. Therefore, if the FOG lamp is used in common, the low beam light distribution can be a light distribution in which the luminous intensity of the peripheral visual field (zone Z3 shown in FIG. 4) is reduced as shown in FIG. That is, the number of LED chips corresponding to the peripheral visual field (zone Z3) of the matrix LED can be reduced.

(Control flowchart)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of control in the headlight system according to the present embodiment.

  The process shown in FIG. 18 is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals when selected by a headlamp switch or when a predetermined situation (night driving or driving in a tunnel) is recognized based on information from various sensors. The

  First, the light distribution control ECU 102 and the front monitoring ECU 104 acquire necessary data from a camera, various sensors, switches, and the like (S10). The data is, for example, data such as an image ahead of the vehicle, a vehicle speed, a distance between vehicles, a shape of a running road, a steering angle of a steering wheel, a light distribution pattern selected by a headlamp switch, and the like.

  The forward monitoring ECU 104 performs data processing 1 based on the acquired data (S12). By data processing 1, attributes of bright objects in front of the vehicle (signal lights, illumination lights, delineators, etc.), vehicle attributes (oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles), distance between vehicles, brightness of bright objects, road shape (lane width, straight road) , Curve) and the like are calculated.

  Next, the light distribution control ECU 102 performs data processing 2 based on the data calculated in the data processing 1 (S14), and selects an appropriate light distribution pattern. The selected control light distribution pattern is, for example, a low beam light distribution pattern, a high beam light distribution pattern, or an ADB. Further, the LED chip is turned on and off, and the control amount of input power is determined according to the selected light distribution pattern.

  If ADB is selected (Yes in S16), data processing 3 is performed by the light distribution control ECU 102 (S18). In the data processing 3, for example, an illumination area and a light shielding area by the ADB control, an illumination light amount, and an irradiation direction are determined. In addition to these pieces of information, AFS control can be performed based on the data calculated in the data processing 1. AFS control is to control light distribution according to a curved road, a traveling area (city area, suburb, highway), and weather. If ADB is not selected (No in S16), step S18 is skipped.

  Next, the light distribution control ECU 102 converts data for the driver in the data processing 4 (S20), and drives the light distribution control element and the actuator (ACT) (S22), thereby performing ADB control and swivel control.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the present invention also relates to a combination or replacement of the configuration of the embodiment as appropriate. Is included. In addition, it is possible to appropriately change the combination and processing order in the embodiment based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art and to add various modifications such as various design changes to the embodiment. The described embodiments can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle headlamp apparatus, 12 LED chip, 12d High brightness LED chip, 12e Medium brightness LED chip, 12f Low brightness LED chip, 14 Light source, 16 Projection lens, 100 Headlight system, 102 Light distribution control ECU, 104 Forward Monitoring ECU, 106 shared lamp, 120 driver circuit device.

Claims (7)

A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix, and a light source capable of irradiating light forward of the vehicle;
A controller that controls turning on and off of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements included in the light source,
The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are:
A plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements that emit light toward a first section included in an irradiation region in front of the vehicle;
A plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements that emit light that is directed to a second section different from the first section and that is included in the irradiation region and have characteristics different from the first semiconductor light emitting element;
The controller is
A first driving unit that drives the plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements divided into groups smaller than the number of first semiconductor light emitting elements for each group;
A second driving unit that drives the plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements divided into groups smaller than the number of second semiconductor light emitting elements for each group;
A vehicle headlamp device characterized by comprising:   2. The vehicle headlamp according to claim 1, wherein the first semiconductor light emitting element is configured by an element having a different luminance when the same current flows as compared to the second semiconductor light emitting element. Lamp device.   2. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1, wherein the first semiconductor light emitting element is configured by an element having a maximum forward current rating different from that of the second semiconductor light emitting element. The first semiconductor light emitting element is disposed so that the first section includes a central portion of the irradiation region,
The controller controls turning on / off of the first semiconductor light emitting element and the second semiconductor light emitting element so that the luminance of the first semiconductor light emitting element is higher than the luminance of the second semiconductor light emitting element. The vehicle headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The vehicular headlamp device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged such that light emitting surfaces thereof face the front of the vehicle.   The light emitting surface of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements is rectangular, and the side of the light emitting surface is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the vehicle width direction. The vehicle headlamp device according to claim 1. A plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix, and a light source capable of irradiating light forward of the vehicle;
A controller that controls turning on and off of the plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements included in the light source,
The plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements are:
A plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements disposed in a first block of a region where the semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix;
A plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements disposed in a second block different from the first block in a region where the semiconductor light emitting elements are arranged in a matrix, and having characteristics different from those of the first semiconductor light emitting element; Including,
The controller is
A first driving unit that drives the plurality of first semiconductor light emitting elements divided into groups smaller than the number of first semiconductor light emitting elements for each group;
A second driving unit that drives the plurality of second semiconductor light emitting elements divided into groups smaller than the number of second semiconductor light emitting elements for each group;
A vehicle headlamp device characterized by comprising:

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