JP2018088341A - Vehicular lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular lamp prevented from having an imaging quality dropped by a deposit or flaw in a lamp having imaging means mounted therein.SOLUTION: Imaging means 4 is mounted in a lamp housing 1 having a translucent cover 12, so that an imaging is performed through the translucent cover 12 by the imaging means 4. On an outer face of the translucent cover 12, a transparent protective material (a protective film or a protective transparent plate) 141 (14) is removably arranged on a region containing an imaging area of the imaging means 4, such as the entire surface of the translucent cover 12. At the time when an additive or flaw occurs, the drop of an imaging quality can be prevented by replacing the protective transparent plate 141.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp, and more particularly to a vehicular lamp suitable for application to an automobile headlamp in which an imaging means such as a camera is disposed in a lamp housing.

  In recent automobiles, in order to realize automatic driving control and automatic light distribution control of headlamps, a camera (imaging device) is installed in the automobile, and this camera captures images in the front area of the automobile and analyzes the captured images. Thus, it has been proposed to detect other vehicles such as an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle existing in the front area. For example, an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) technique has been proposed as a technique for controlling the light distribution of a headlamp (headlight) of an automobile. This ADB is a technique for controlling the high beam light distribution pattern of the headlamp so as not to dazzle other vehicles such as an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle detected from an image captured by a camera.

  Considering only imaging the front area of the automobile, the camera is preferably arranged at a high position inside the front window of the automobile, but when applied to ADB, the lamp optical axis of the headlamp and the camera It is preferable that the imaging optical axis is in a positional relationship as close as possible. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, a technique in which a camera is built in a lamp housing of a headlamp has been proposed.

JP2013-164913A

  When the camera is mounted on the headlamp, the image is taken by the camera through the transparent cover of the lamp housing. Since the translucent cover is made of transparent glass or transparent resin, foreign matter may adhere to the outer surface of the translucent cover or the outer surface may be damaged. If there are deposits or scratches in the imaging area of the camera, that is, the imaging angle of view of the camera, these are imprinted on the captured image, the image quality is lowered, and a clear image cannot be obtained. In addition, these deposits and scratches become noise when image analysis is performed on the image, and the detection accuracy of other vehicles decreases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular lamp that prevents deterioration in imaging quality due to deposits and scratches on a lamp equipped with imaging means.

  The present invention provides a vehicular lamp configured such that an imaging unit is provided in a lamp housing having a translucent cover, and the imaging unit performs imaging through the translucent cover. On the outer surface, a light-transmitting protective material is detachably disposed in the imaging region of the imaging means.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective material is disposed on the entire surface of the translucent cover. The protective material may be a protective film formed of a flexible transparent material or a protective transparent plate formed of tempered glass or resin.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent deposits and scratches from occurring on the outer surface of the translucent cover by the protective material. Even if deposits or scratches occur, these occur on the outer surface of the protective material, so that the deposits and scratches can be removed by removing the protective material or replacing it with another protective material. Therefore, it is possible to perform suitable imaging.

1 is a schematic front view of a part of an automobile equipped with a headlamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the right headlamp of FIG. 1. The schematic block block diagram of a headlamp. The figure which shows the state which the deposit | attachment and damage | wound which arose in the translucent cover, and these were imaged. The external appearance perspective view of the lamp | ramp which showed the state which peels off a protective material (protective film). The external appearance perspective view of the lamp | ramp of a state before sticking a protective material (protective transparent board). The front view of the modification of a protective film. The perspective view of the modification of a protection transparent board. The front view of three modifications from which a protective material differs further.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an automobile headlamp, and a right headlamp R-HL is attached to the right front portion of a vehicle body BD of an automobile CAR. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a left headlamp configured symmetrically with the right headlamp R-HL is attached to the left front portion of the vehicle body BD.

  In the right headlamp R-HL, a main lamp unit 2 and a sub lamp unit 3 are disposed in a lamp housing 1, and a camera 4 as an imaging unit according to the present invention is further disposed. Here, the main lamp unit 2 is disposed outside the lamp housing 1 in the vehicle width direction, the sub lamp unit 3 is disposed inside, and the camera 4 is disposed further inside.

  FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the right headlamp R-HL. The lamp housing 1 includes a container-shaped lamp body 11 having an open front region, and a translucent cover 12 fixed so as to cover the opening of the lamp body 11. Although the details will be described later, the translucent cover 12 is formed in a plate shape curved into a required shape by a transparent colorless resin, and a protective material 14 is attached to the entire outer surface thereof. The translucent cover 12 transmits light emitted from the main and sub lamp units 2 and 3 to irradiate the front area of the automobile. Further, the camera 4 can image the front area of the automobile through the translucent cover 12.

  An extension 13 is disposed in the lamp housing 1, and the interior of the lamp housing 1 is partitioned into a main lamp portion, a sub lamp portion, and a camera portion from the left side in FIG. The extension 13 is configured as a pseudo reflector by applying aluminum coating or aluminum plating to the surface directed outward.

  The main lamp unit 2 uses a plurality of white LEDs (light emitting diodes) 21 as a light source, reflects the white light emitted from each white LED 21 by a reflector 22, and projects the reflected light in front of an automobile by a projection lens 23. It is configured as a projector-type lamp unit that performs illumination. By selecting a plurality of white LEDs 21 to emit light, the light distribution of the main lamp unit 2 can be switched between the high beam distribution and the low beam distribution. Further, it is possible to perform illumination with ADB light distribution in which only a partial region of the high beam light distribution pattern is not illuminated.

  Here, the sub lamp unit 3 is configured as a clearance lamp. The clearance lamp 3 uses a white LED 31 as a light source, the white light emitted from the white LED 31 is reflected by a reflector 32, and an inner lens 33 arranged on the front side of the reflector 32 has a required light distribution pattern in front of the automobile. It is configured as a reflector type lamp unit for illumination.

  The camera 4 is configured as a camera including a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. The camera 4 is disposed on the rear surface side of the extension 13 so that it cannot be observed from the outside when viewed through the translucent cover 12 from the front of the headlamp R-HL. This is to ensure the design of the headlamp R-HL. The lens barrel 41 of the camera 4 is disposed at a position facing an opening window 131 provided in the extension 13, and the front area of the automobile can be imaged through the opening window 131.

  Furthermore, a lamp ECU (electronic control unit) 5 is disposed in the lamp housing 1 at a position where it is not exposed to the outside by the extension 13. As will be described later, the lamp ECU 5 is electrically connected to the main lamp unit 2, the sub lamp unit 3, and the camera 4, and based on an image captured by the camera 4, the lamp ECU 5 includes the main lamp unit 2 and the sub lamp unit 3. The lighting state is controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the lamp units 2 and 3, the camera 4 and the lamp ECU 5. The lamp ECU 5 includes a main lamp control unit 51, a sub lamp control unit 52, and a camera control unit 53. On the other hand, the lamp ECU 5 is connected to a vehicle ECU 6 that is provided in the car CAR and performs overall control related to the running of the car CAR. In addition, a monitor 7 for notifying passengers of the car CAR of various information is disposed in the vehicle interior, and this monitor 7 is connected to the vehicle ECU 6. The monitor 7 may be composed of a display panel of a navigation device.

  The lamp ECU 5 receives a control signal from the vehicle ECU 6 and controls the main lamp unit 2, the sub lamp unit 3, and the camera 4. Here, the main lamp control unit 51 executes on / off control of the main lamp unit 2, high beam / low beam light distribution control, and ADB control. The sub lamp control unit 52 controls turning on / off of the sub lamp unit 3. Further, the camera control unit 53 controls control related to imaging with the camera 4, such as control of imaging timing, capturing operation of captured images, detection operation based on the captured images, and the like.

  Specifically, the camera control unit 53 analyzes an image obtained by imaging with the camera 4 and detects other vehicles existing ahead of the automobile, that is, an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle, The image obtained by the camera 4 is analyzed to detect the deposits and scratches generated on the outer surface of the translucent cover 12, and here, the deposits and scratches generated on the outer surface of the protective material 14 as described later. A flaw detection unit 532 and a notification unit 533 for notifying the monitor 7 of a warning when the flaw detection unit 532 detects a deposit or a flaw.

  The main lamp control unit 51 includes a light distribution setting unit 511 for setting an appropriate light distribution corresponding to another vehicle detected by the other vehicle detection unit 531 of the camera control unit 53, and the set light distribution. Based on this, a lighting control unit 512 that controls turning on / off of the plurality of white LEDs 21 of the main lamp unit 2 is provided.

  With this configuration, when the main lamp control unit 51 detects an oncoming vehicle or a preceding vehicle existing in the front area of the host vehicle from an image captured by the camera 4 in the other vehicle detection unit 531, the main light distribution setting unit 511 The light distribution of the lamp unit 2 is set to one of high beam light distribution, low beam light distribution, and ADB light distribution. The lighting control unit 512 controls the lighting of the plurality of white LEDs 21 either collectively or selectively in order to realize the set light distribution. Thereby, the light distribution control which illuminates the front area of the own vehicle as brightly as possible without dazzling the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle is realized. Description of each light distribution in this case is omitted here.

  Although detailed description is omitted, the configuration of the left headlamp L-HL of the automobile shown in FIG. 3 is symmetrical to the right headlamp R-HL, and is provided in the left headlamp L-HL. A lamp ECU (not shown) is also connected to the vehicle ECU 6. Thereby, also in the left headlamp L-HL, control of high beam light distribution, low beam light distribution, and ADB light distribution in the main lamp unit is executed independently.

  In the light distribution control in the main lamp unit 2 as described above, the camera 4 images the front area of the automobile through the translucent cover 12. At this time, if a deposit or a flaw is present in a partial area on the outer surface of the translucent cover 12, particularly in the range of the imaging angle of view of the camera 4, that is, the imaging region, an image of the fouling or the flaw is present in the captured image. Will be copied. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, if the deposit X1 and the scratch X2 are present in the imaging area CA of the translucent cover 12, the image captured by the camera 4 is as shown in FIG. In addition, an image of the deposit X1 and the scratch X2 or a blurred image of these is imprinted. Therefore, if the images of these deposits X1 and scratches X2 overlap the other vehicles CAR1 and CAR2 existing in the captured image, the detection accuracy of the other vehicles by image analysis is lowered, and as a result, the accuracy of light distribution control is also improved. It will decline.

  In such a case, it is conceivable that the deposits are removed by cleaning, and the scratches are repaired. However, the attached matter may not be removed even by cleaning, and the removal of the scratch may be difficult. Although it is possible to replace the translucent cover 12 with a new one, it is difficult to replace the lamp housing 1 in which the translucent cover 12 is fixed to the lamp body 11 by welding or the like. Eventually, the entire headlamp will be replaced, which will be expensive due to parts and construction costs.

  In this embodiment, the translucent cover 12 is formed of a transparent colorless resin as described above, and is welded to the lamp body 11 by heat or laser. 14 is configured to be detachably attached. Here, the protective material 14 is configured as a flexible protective film 141 formed of a resin such as colorless and transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and an adhesive is applied to the inner surface thereof. This protective film 141 is affixed in close contact with the outer surface of the translucent cover 12 using the flexibility and the adhesiveness of the adhesive. Moreover, since this protective film 141 is affixed using an adhesive, it can be peeled off from the outer surface of the translucent cover 12.

  By providing this protective film 141, the outer surface of the translucent cover 12 is prevented from being exposed to the outside, is protected from the external environment, and is prevented from deposits and scratches on the outer surface. Therefore, when deposits and scratches occur, these deposits and scratches occur on the outer surface of the protective film 141. When deposits or scratches are generated on the outer surface of the protective film 141, they can be removed by washing or repairing the outer surface of the protective film 141. Moreover, it becomes unnecessary to perform a hard coat process on the outer surface of the translucent cover 12, and yellowing of the translucent cover 12 is suppressed.

  On the other hand, if the deposits cannot be removed by cleaning and the scratches cannot be removed by repair, the protective film 141 is peeled off from the translucent cover 12 as shown in a schematic external view in FIG. Replace with. As a result, even when a deposit or a flaw is generated in the imaging region of the camera 4 on the outer surface of the translucent cover 12, the adhering portion or the flaw can be easily and quickly removed. It is possible to prevent the quality of the deteriorated image from being deteriorated. In addition, other vehicles can be detected from the captured image with high accuracy, and suitable light distribution control in the main lamp unit 2 in high beam light distribution, low beam light distribution, ADB light distribution, and the like can be realized.

  Since the entire protective film 141 including the adhesive is colorless and transparent, the protective film 141 has almost no influence on the light distribution characteristics of the main lamp unit 2 and the sub lamp unit 3, particularly the illuminance during illumination. Further, there is almost no decrease in the exposure amount when taking an image with the camera 4. When a new protective film is not prepared, at least deposits and scratches generated on the protective film 141 can be obtained simply by removing the attached protective film 141 and exposing the outer surface of the transparent cover 12. It is possible to make it a removed state.

  The timing to replace the protective film 141 is notified from the camera control unit 53 to the monitor 7. The flaw detection unit 532 acquires images captured by the camera 4 over time during driving of the automobile, and sequentially compares the acquired images. While the automobile is running, the image to be captured changes with time, but the deposits and scratches generated on the protective film 141 are always captured at a certain position in the image. Therefore, when the presence of an immovable object is detected in a plurality of images that are continuously compared for a predetermined time, it is detected that this is a deposit or a flaw.

  The notification unit 533 measures the size, shape, light transmittance, and the like of the detected deposit or scratch. Based on these measurements, it is determined whether the detected deposits or scratches are obstacles to the detection of other vehicles by the other vehicle detection unit 531 or have a great influence on the detection accuracy. And when it determines with affecting other vehicle detection, a warning signal is output toward vehicle ECU6, and the deposit | attachment and the damage | wound exist in the protective film 141 in the monitor 7, and it has influence on light distribution control Notify that.

  For example, the notification unit 533 determines that the adhering matter is a water droplet when the measured object is a small circle and has a light transmittance higher than a predetermined value, and the water droplet is removed as time passes. No warning is given. If the measured object has an indefinite shape and the light transmittance is lower than a predetermined value, it is determined that the object is a deposit such as mud, and a warning is issued. If the measured shape of the object is linear, it is determined that the object is a flaw and a warning is notified. The notification is not limited to the monitor 7, but may be notification by sound using an audio device.

  When the vehicle occupant confirms the warning notified by the monitor 7 or voice, the vehicle occupant cleans the deposits on the protective film 141 and repairs the scratches. If the warning is still notified even after the cleaning and repair, the protective film 141 is replaced with a new one. Alternatively, the protective film 141 may be immediately replaced with a new one without cleaning or repairing.

  The protective material according to the present invention may be formed of a protective transparent plate. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a protective transparent plate 142 is formed of a colorless and transparent tempered glass having the same shape as the outer surface of the transparent cover 12 as the protective material 14. It is set as the structure affixed on the outer surface of. Since the tempered glass is less likely to be scratched than the resin, it is more advantageous than the resin protective film against the scratch. Further, the tempered glass is advantageous in that it is easy to remove the adhering matter adhering to the outer surface by washing as compared with the resin.

  In the case where the protective transparent plate 142 is used as the protective material 14, as in the case of the protective film 142, the protective transparent plate 142 in which deposits or scratches have occurred is peeled off from the outer surface of the translucent cover 12 to obtain a new protective transparent plate. By replacing the plate, it is possible to prevent the deposits and scratches in the imaging area of the camera 4 from being removed, and to prevent the image quality captured by the camera 4 from being deteriorated. Thereby, another vehicle can be detected from the captured image with high accuracy, and suitable light distribution control of the main lamp unit 2 can be realized.

  Here, the protective transparent plate 142 may be formed of a shape-retaining resin such as a hard resin or a soft resin having a certain degree of rigidity. In this case, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 6, a hook f is formed integrally with a part of the protective transparent plate 142, and this hook f is engaged with the edge of the light transmitting cover 12, So-called patch-on attachment / detachment is possible, and attachment / detachment work can be easily performed.

  The protective material 14 according to the present invention may be disposed not only over the entire surface of the translucent cover 12 but only in an area corresponding to the imaging area of the camera 4 on the outer surface of the translucent cover 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the protective film 143 formed in a shape and size including the imaging region of the camera 4 is adhered to a region facing the camera 4 on the outer surface of the light transmitting cover 12. The camera 4 takes an image through the translucent cover 12 and the protective film 143.

  In this configuration, when a deposit or a flaw occurs on the protective film 143 and the fouling or scratch cannot be removed, the protective film 143 may be replaced with a new one. As a result, it is the same as in the above embodiment that the adhering matter and scratches are not imprinted on the image captured by the camera 4 and the detection accuracy of other vehicles is improved. Even if the outer surface of the translucent cover area other than the protective film has any deposits or scratches, it will not affect the image captured by the camera, and will not affect the light distribution of the lamp unit. Never become. In the case of this protective film 143, the size of the protective film 143 may be small and can be configured at low cost.

  This partial protective material may be formed of a protective transparent plate made of tempered glass or resin. Although not shown in the drawing, the protective transparent plate is applied only to the camera imaging region on the outer surface of the translucent cover 12 with an adhesive material. You may stick. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a shallow concave portion 121 is formed in the thickness direction from the outer surface of the translucent cover 12 in a region including the imaging region of the camera 4 in the outer surface of the translucent cover 12, and the protective transparent is provided in the concave portion 121. The plate 144 may be fitted. Here, a shallow concave portion 121 is formed in the thickness direction in an area including the imaging region of the camera 4 from the upper side of the translucent cover 12, and the protective transparent plate 144 is inserted into the concave portion 121 from the upper side. .

  In this case, the cross-sectional shape of both side edges of the concave portion 121 is a “groove” shape, and correspondingly, both side edges of the protective transparent plate 144 are tapered and the both side edges are inserted into the “groove”. May be. The upper edge of the protective transparent plate 144 is bonded to the upper side of the translucent cover 12 with an adhesive or the like. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the protective transparent plate 144 inserted into the recess 121 from being dropped from the recess 121. If the adhesive on the upper side is removed, the protective transparent plate 144 can be pulled out from the recess 121, and replacement with a new protective transparent plate is easy.

  In the above embodiment, although the example in which the protective film and the protective transparent plate as the protective material 14 are configured to be colorless and transparent has been described, the protective film 14 may be configured as a colored protective film and a protective transparent plate. Furthermore, in the case of a protective film or a protective transparent plate disposed over the entire surface of the translucent cover 12, a part thereof may be configured in color, or a design pattern such as a pattern may be provided.

  For example, in FIG. 9A, the protective film 145 is affixed to the entire surface of the translucent cover 12, but the area A1 facing the clearance lamp 3 is formed as a blue protective film. Light that passes through the region A1 when the clearance lamp 3 is turned on is converted into blue light, and clearance lamp illumination with blue light can be realized. At this time, since the area facing the main lamp unit 2 and the camera 4 is colorless, there is no influence on the light distribution of the main lamp unit 2, and there is no influence on imaging by the camera 4.

  In FIG. 9B, a design pattern P is printed on the peripheral area A <b> 2 of the protective film 146 as the protective material 14. When the headlamp is not lit during the daytime or the like, the design effect on the appearance of the headlamp is enhanced by the design P. On the other hand, when the headlamp is lit, the pattern P printed in the area A2 is observed from the outside by the lit light, but does not affect the light distribution of the lamp units 2 and 3, and the camera 4 It does not affect the imaging at the same time. The pattern may be configured like a sticker or a seal, and may be configured to be affixed to the outer surface of the protective film 146.

  In FIG. 9C, fine uneven steps S are integrally formed by resin molding in a required area on the outer surface of the protective transparent plate 147 made of resin, particularly in an area A3 that does not affect light distribution or imaging. The uneven step S is formed in a region that does not affect the light distribution when the lamp units 2 and 3 are turned on and does not affect the image pickup by the camera 4. The protective transparent plate 147 enhances the design effect of the headlamp by reflecting sunlight in the scattering state by the uneven step S when the lamp units 2 and 3 are not lit in the daytime.

  In addition to the above, although not shown in the drawing, prepare a plurality of protective films or protective transparent plates made of different colors, or prepare a plurality of different patterns and uneven steps as described above. In addition, by appropriately replacing these, it is possible to change the design effect of the headlamp and change the overall impression of the automobile.

  The protective material concerning this invention is not restricted to what was described in embodiment. The material is limited to the material described in the embodiment as long as it is formed of a light-transmitting sheet-like or plate-like transparent material, stuck to the outer surface of the light-transmitting cover, and can be easily peeled off. It is not something.

  In particular, in order to make it difficult for deposits such as mud and water droplets to adhere to the outer surface of the protective material, the outer surface of the protective material may be subjected to a super-water-repellent treatment or a hydrophilic treatment. Further, in order to suppress the light emitted from the lamp unit from being reflected by the protective material and entering the camera, an antireflection treatment may be applied to the outer surface and the inner surface of the protective material.

  In the description of the embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a headlamp has been described. However, as long as it is a vehicle lamp in which an imaging unit is disposed in a lamp housing having a light-transmitting cover, the present invention can also be applied to an auxiliary lamp or a sign lamp. Is possible. In the lamp housing in which the translucent cover is configured as an outer lens, the protective material of the present invention can be applied to the outer lens.

  In the description of the embodiment, the example in which the imaging means for controlling the light distribution of the headlamp is arranged in the lamp housing is shown. However, the imaging means for performing automatic driving of the automobile or other control of the automobile is used as the lamp. The present invention can also be applied to a vehicle lamp disposed in a housing.

1 Lamp housing 2 Main lamp unit 3 Sub lamp unit 4 Camera (imaging means)
5 Lamp ECU
6 Vehicle ECU
7 Monitor 11 Lamp body 12 Translucent cover 13 Extension 14 (141 to 147) Protective material (protective film, protective transparent plate)

Claims (6)

  An imaging unit is incorporated in a lamp housing having a translucent cover, and is configured to perform imaging with the imaging unit through the translucent cover, and on the outer surface of the translucent cover, A vehicular lamp, wherein a translucent protective material is detachably disposed in an imaging region of the imaging means.   The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the protective material is disposed on the entire surface of the translucent cover.   The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the protective material is formed of a protective film formed of a flexible transparent material.   The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the protective material is formed of a protective transparent plate formed of tempered glass or resin.   The vehicular lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a part of the protective material is colored or has a design. 6. A lamp unit for illumination is disposed in the lamp housing, and the imaging unit images a front area of a vehicle and performs light distribution control of the lamp unit based on the captured image. A lamp for a vehicle according to the above.

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