JP2019206253A - Vehicular lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicular lighting device, which can detect a preceding vehicle and the like and allow a driver to perform driving operation without a feeling of strangeness while controlling light distribution of head light.SOLUTION: The vehicular lighting device includes: head lights 2L and 2R which can change respective light distributions in a plurality of light distribution areas A1-A8 divided in a lateral direction; a camera 6 that detects a preceding vehicle 30 existing in front of an own vehicle; and a light distribution control part 22 that controls the head lights 2L and 2R so that the light distribution area corresponding to the preceding vehicle 30 of the plurality of light distribution areas is specified and light of the light distribution area is turned off, according to a position of the preceding vehicle 30 detected by the camera 6. The light distribution control part 22, when switching the light distribution area whose light is turned off into a light turned-on state, according to displacement of the preceding vehicle 30, controls the head lights 2L and 2R so that the inside of the light distribution area is gradually brightened as going in a direction in which an actual background moves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular illumination device that improves the visual field characteristics by controlling the light distribution of a headlamp.

  When traveling at night, a traveling headlamp called a high beam is generally used. However, if the high beam is always used, the traveling safety of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle may be hindered. For this reason, in recent years, a headlamp having a large number of light sources is used, and a headlamp is used so that only a region corresponding to the preceding vehicle is turned off while the preceding vehicle is recognized by a camera mounted on the vehicle. A technique for controlling the light distribution of light is proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-114800 A

  However, in a vehicle in which light distribution control is performed as in Patent Document 1, for example, when the relative position of a preceding vehicle changes while traveling on a curve at night, the change in the light distribution of the headlamps accompanying this changes the front of the vehicle. The flow of scenery looks different from the daytime, and the driver may feel uncomfortable. That is, when the preceding vehicle moves, the area that was extinguished is switched to lighting along with this, but this increases the lighting area so as to follow the preceding vehicle in the direction in which the preceding vehicle moves, The scenery in front seems to flow in the opposite direction to the daytime, and the driver may feel uncomfortable. Such a sense of incongruity can occur in the same way, for example, when a preceding vehicle is moving forward while traveling on a straight road. Therefore, when detecting the preceding vehicle or the like and controlling the light distribution of the headlamp, it is necessary to eliminate such inconvenience and ensure better visibility without a sense of incongruity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to perform a driving operation without a sense of incongruity in a technique for detecting a preceding vehicle or the like and controlling light distribution of a headlamp. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a vehicle lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a headlight capable of changing the light distribution in each of the plurality of light distribution regions divided in the left-right direction. A light distribution area corresponding to the front vehicle among the plurality of light distribution areas is specified according to a light, a detection unit that detects a forward vehicle located in front, and a position of the forward vehicle detected by the detection unit. A control unit that controls the headlamp to turn off the light distribution region, and the control unit switches the light distribution region that is turned off to a lighting state in accordance with a change in the position of the preceding vehicle. The headlamp is controlled so that the light distribution area gradually becomes brighter in accordance with the direction in which the actual background moves.

  According to this vehicle illumination device, when a forward vehicle is present, the orientation region corresponding to the forward vehicle is turned off among the plurality of light distribution regions. It is prevented that troubles occur. In addition, when a light distribution area that is turned off is switched to a lighting state in accordance with a change in the position of the vehicle ahead, the headlamps are controlled so that the light distribution area gradually becomes brighter according to the direction in which the actual background moves. Is done. For this reason, the occupant can visually recognize the scenery flowing in the same direction as in the daytime, thereby relieving the driver from feeling uncomfortable. In addition, in the description of the claims, the “front vehicle” means an oncoming vehicle that travels in an oncoming lane in addition to a preceding vehicle that travels in front of the host vehicle.

  More specifically, the headlamp performs light distribution in one light distribution area by a plurality of light sources, and the control unit switches the light distribution area that is turned off to a lighting state. Sequentially turns on a plurality of light sources that are turned off corresponding to the light distribution area according to the direction in which the actual background moves.

  According to this configuration, by sequentially controlling the lighting of a plurality of light sources corresponding to one light distribution area, it becomes possible to sequentially brighten the light distribution area in accordance with the direction in which the actual background moves. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the above-described effects with a relatively simple headlamp configuration.

  In the vehicle lighting device described above, when the position of the front vehicle moves in the lateral direction, the control unit determines the vehicle width from the front vehicle side when switching the light distribution area being turned off to the lighting state. The headlamp is controlled so that the inside of the alignment region becomes brighter sequentially toward the outside in the direction.

  According to this configuration, for example, the position of a preceding vehicle that travels ahead of the host vehicle moves in a lateral direction during curve traveling, and the driver feels uncomfortable when the light distribution of the headlamps changes accordingly. It becomes possible to do.

  It should be noted that such a sense of incongruity is easily received when the curvature of the curve is relatively large. Therefore, for example, only when the vehicle is traveling on a curve and the curvature of the curve is equal to or greater than a predetermined curvature, the control in which the orientation region is sequentially brightened may be executed.

  Further, in the above vehicle lighting device, when the position of the front vehicle moves forward, the control unit moves from the front side to the rear side when switching the light distribution area being turned off to the lighting state. The headlamp may be controlled so that the inside of the light distribution area is sequentially brightened.

  According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to alleviate the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the driver when the position of the preceding vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle moves backward and the light distribution of the headlamp changes accordingly. Become.

  In each of the vehicle lighting devices described above, the control unit relatively increases the change rate when sequentially brightening the light distribution region as the change rate of the position of the preceding vehicle is relatively high. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, the change speed of the position of the vehicle ahead and the change speed of the light distribution of the headlight balance, and the change of the light distribution of the headlight entering the driver's view, that is, the change of the scenery in front It becomes more natural. This makes it more difficult for the driver to feel uncomfortable.

  According to the vehicular illumination device of the present invention according to each of the above aspects, when a preceding vehicle or the like is detected and light distribution control of the headlamp is performed, the driving operation can be performed more comfortably.

1 is a plan view showing a vehicle to which a vehicle lighting device according to the present invention is applied. (A) is a schematic front view showing left and right headlights (headlights), and (b) is a table defining the arrangement of LED light sources of each block in the light body. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of a headlight. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the light distribution control of a headlight. It is a schematic diagram explaining the light distribution area | region of a headlight. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the light distribution control of a headlight, (a) is a figure which shows the preceding vehicle and light distribution state in curve driving | running | working, (b) is a preceding vehicle from the state of (a). It is a figure explaining how light distribution changes when light moves, and how light distribution changes in a light distribution area that is newly switched to a lighting state. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the light distribution control of a headlight, (a) is a figure which shows the preceding vehicle currently drive | working on a straight road, and a light distribution state, (b) is from the state of (a). It is a figure explaining the light distribution state when a preceding vehicle moves, and how to change the light distribution in the light distribution area newly switched to a lighting state. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the optical flow (flow of the background of the front) during night driving | running | working. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the optical flow (flow of the background of the front) during driving | running | working daytime.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of vehicle and lighting device for vehicle]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a vehicle to which a vehicle lighting device according to the present invention is applied. A pair of left and right headlights 2L and 2R are provided at the front end of the vehicle 1 as headlamps. A radar 4 is provided at a position between the pair of left and right headlights 2L and 2R at the front end of the vehicle 1, and a camera 6 is provided at the center of the upper edge of the front windshield in the passenger compartment. .

  The radar 4 detects a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle 1 and measures a distance from the preceding vehicle. For example, a millimeter wave radar is employed. The camera 6 images a scene in front of the vehicle 1 and includes an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS. The camera 6 and the radar 4 correspond to the “detection unit” of the present invention.

  FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the left and right headlights 2L, 2R, and more specifically, a plan view of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, each of the headlights 2L and 2R includes left and right light main body portions 10R and 10L, and each of the light main body portions 10R and 10L includes a plurality of LED light sources 12.

  In this example, the number of the plurality of LED light sources 12 included in each of the light main body portions 10R and 10L and the arrangement thereof are the same, and the plurality of LED light sources 12 are arranged in a matrix with equal vertical and horizontal intervals.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the vehicular lighting device. The headlights 2L and 2R are controlled by a controller 20 mounted on the vehicle 1.

  The controller 20 includes a microprocessor having a CPU, a memory, counter timers, an I / F, and the like. Signals (information) from the radar 4 and the camera 6 are input to the controller 20. That is, to the controller 20, detection information of the preceding vehicle by the radar 4 and information indicating the distance from the preceding vehicle are input, and image information captured by the camera 6 is input. The vehicle 1 is further provided with a steering angle sensor 8 that outputs steering angle information corresponding to the operation of the steering wheel, and the steering angle information from the steering angle sensor 8 is also input to the controller 20.

  The controller 20 includes a light distribution control unit 22 (corresponding to a control unit of the present invention) that comprehensively controls the operation (light distribution) of the headlights 2L and 2R as its functional configuration. The light distribution control unit 22 turns on the headlights 2L and 2R, particularly during high beam travel, and detects a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the host vehicle (vehicle 1) based on information from the radar 4 and the camera 6. Then, the light distribution of the headlights 2L and 2R is controlled so that the area corresponding to the preceding vehicle is turned off, that is, the area is not irradiated with light. In the vehicle 1 of this example, during high beam traveling, all LED light sources 12 of the left and right headlights 2L, 2R are basically used unless vehicles (preceding vehicles and oncoming vehicles) are present in front of the host vehicle. Light up.

  Here, the relationship between the area (light distribution area) irradiated with light from the headlights 2L and 2R and the LED light sources 12 of the headlights 2L and 2R will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the light distribution area by the headlights 2L and 2R. In this figure, the light distribution area is defined on a virtual vertical plane that faces the front of the vehicle 1.

  The light distribution area by the headlights 2L and 2R is divided into a plurality of parts in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) as shown in FIG. Specifically, it is divided into eight light distribution areas A1 to A8. The width W of each light distribution area | region A1-A8 is set equally, respectively. In this example, the light distribution areas are referred to as a first light distribution area A1, a second light distribution area A2,.

  In the headlights 2L and 2R, the LED light sources 12 corresponding to the respective light distribution areas A1 to A8 are set, and by selectively controlling the lighting of the plurality of LED light sources 12, the light distribution areas A1 to A8 are controlled. Turning on (a state in which light is irradiated) and turning off (a state in which light is not irradiated) are performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the LED light source 12 included in the right half block B1 of the right light main body 10R of the right headlight 2R corresponds to the first light distribution area A1, The LED light source 12 included in the left half block B2 of the light main body 10R corresponds to the second light distribution region A2. Further, the LED light source 12 included in the right half block B3 of the left light main body 10L of the right headlight 2R corresponds to the third light distribution area A3 and is included in the left half block B4 of the light main body 10L. LED light source 12 corresponding to the fourth light distribution region A4.

  Further, the LED light source 12 included in the right half block B5 of the right light main body 10R of the left headlight 2L corresponds to the fifth light distribution area A5 and included in the left half block B6 of the light main body 10R. LED light source 12 corresponding to the sixth light distribution region A6. Further, the LED light source 12 included in the right half block B7 of the left light main body portion 10L of the left headlight 2L corresponds to the seventh light distribution area A7 and is included in the left half block B8 of the light main body portion 10L. LED light source 12 corresponding to the eighth light distribution region A8.

  In this example, each of the blocks B1 to B8 includes a total of 18 LED light sources 12 of 6 rows and 3 columns. And lighting control of each light distribution area | region A1-A8 is performed by performing lighting control of 18 LED light sources 12 simultaneously for every block B1-B8. In addition, the light distribution of each of the light distribution areas A1 to A8 (that is, in each light distribution area) is changed by individually controlling lighting of the 18 LED light sources 12 included in each of the blocks B1 to B8. It is like that.

[Light distribution control in vehicle lighting device]
As described above, the controller 20 (light distribution control unit 22) detects the preceding vehicle based on information from the radar 4 and the camera 6, and turns off the area corresponding to the preceding vehicle (so that the area is not irradiated with light). To control the light distribution of the headlights 2L, 2R). As a result, the traveling light of the preceding vehicle is not hindered by the irradiation light from the headlights 2L, 2R.

  However, with only such light distribution control, the driver may feel uncomfortable due to changes in the light distribution of the headlights 2L and 2R, as will be described below.

  For example, FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams schematically illustrating an optical flow (a flow of a background in the front) during daytime running. As shown in this figure, when driving on a road that curves to the left, the scenery in front of the vehicle is from the front side to the near side and from the left side, as indicated by the arrow Xa in FIG. 9C. It will flow toward the right side. When a virtual vertical plane that is in front of the vehicle is opposed, the scenery in front of the vehicle flows from the upper side to the lower side and from the left side to the right side on the virtual vertical plane. Usually, the driver recognizes the flow of the landscape in this way.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams for schematically explaining the optical flow (the flow of the background in the front) during night driving. 8A to 8C show a case where the vehicle is traveling on a road that curves to the left as in FIG. Reference numeral 30 in the figure denotes a preceding vehicle, and reference numeral La denotes an area (lighting area La) irradiated with light from the headlights 2L and 2R. The area corresponding to the preceding vehicle 30 is turned off.

  Here, when the relative position of the host vehicle (vehicle 1) and the preceding vehicle 30 changes from the position shown in FIG. 8 (a), the preceding vehicle 30 moves to the left as shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c). When moving in the direction, the area that has been extinguished is switched to lighting. Therefore, the lighting region La is expanded so as to follow the preceding vehicle 30 in the direction in which the preceding vehicle 30 moves. In other words, the area that can be visually recognized by the driver expands in the moving direction of the preceding vehicle 30 as indicated by the arrow Xb in FIG. As a result, the driver may feel uncomfortable.

  Such a phenomenon can also occur when, for example, the preceding vehicle moves far forward while traveling on a straight road, and the light distribution state on both sides of the preceding vehicle changes accordingly.

  In order to reduce such a sense of incongruity, the controller 20 (light distribution control unit 22) executes the following control regarding the light distribution of the headlights 2L and 2R.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the light distribution control of the headlights 2L and 2R. When this flowchart is started, the controller 20 travels with a partial turn-off control switch (SW), that is, a high beam, and the preceding vehicle 30 in the first to eighth light distribution areas A1 to A8 based on detection of the preceding vehicle 30. It is determined whether or not a switch for executing control to turn off the area corresponding to (partial turn-off control) is turned on (step S1).

  Here, in the case of Yes, it is determined whether or not the preceding vehicle 30 exists (step S3), and when the preceding vehicle 30 exists, the preceding vehicle is out of the first to eighth light distribution areas A1 to A8. Control to turn off the area corresponding to the vehicle 30 is executed (step S5).

  FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A show an example in that case. In FIG. 6A, the first corresponding to the preceding vehicle 30 in the first to eighth light distribution areas A1 to A8. 4. The fifth light distribution areas A4 and A5 are turned off (light from the headlights 2L and 2R is not irradiated), and the other light distribution areas A1 to A3 and A6 to A8 are turned on (headlights). The light from 2L and 2R is irradiated). On the other hand, in FIG. 7A, the fifth and sixth light distribution areas A5 and A6 corresponding to the preceding vehicle 30 are turned off, and the other light distribution areas A1 to A4, A7 and A8 are turned on.

  Next, the controller 20 determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a curve (step S7). Specifically, based on information from the steering angle sensor 8, when the steering wheel is operated more than a set steering angle from a straight traveling state (that is, when the curvature of the curve is greater than a predetermined curvature), the controller 20 determines that the vehicle is running on a curve.

  When it is determined Yes in step S7, the controller 20 further determines whether or not the position of the preceding vehicle 30 has changed in the lateral direction (step S9). In Step S11, the first light distribution change control is executed in Step S11. If No is determined in Step S9, the process of Step S11 is skipped and the process returns to Step S5.

  The determination in step S9 is based on whether the preceding vehicle 30 has moved in the lateral direction (left-right direction) by the width W (see FIG. 5) of the light distribution areas A1 to A8 based on information from the radar 4 and the camera 6. Will be judged. Therefore, in step S9, in addition to the case where the preceding vehicle 30 moves in the left-right direction while the distance from the preceding vehicle 30 is kept substantially constant, the preceding vehicle 30 appears to be apparently due to an increase in the distance from the preceding vehicle 30. In any case of moving in the left-right direction, “Yes” is determined.

  On the other hand, when it is determined No in step S7, that is, when it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling on the curve, the controller 20 determines whether or not the position of the preceding vehicle 30 has further changed forward (step S13). Here, if it is determined Yes, the controller 20 proceeds to Step S15 and executes the second light distribution change control. If it is determined No in Step S13, the process of Step S15 is skipped. The process returns to step S5.

  The determination in step S13 is based on the information from the radar 4 and the camera 6 and apparently that the preceding vehicle 30 has moved in the lateral direction (left and right direction) by the width W (see FIG. 5) of the light distribution areas A1 to A8. The determination is made based on whether or not the preceding vehicle 30 has moved away from the host vehicle by an allowed distance.

  The first light distribution change control and the second light distribution change control are controls for changing the light distribution by the headlights 2L and 2R in accordance with the change in the position of the preceding vehicle 30, and specifically, the position of the preceding vehicle 30. In accordance with this change, the light distribution area that is lit is switched off and the light distribution area that is off is switched on.

  First, in the first light distribution change control, when the controller 20 switches the light distribution area being turned on to off, all the LED light sources 12 in the block are turned on simultaneously for each of the blocks B1 to B8 of the headlights 2L and 2R. Switch from state to off.

  On the other hand, when switching the light distribution area being turned off to lighting, the controller 20 moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the preceding vehicle 30 (that is, from the preceding vehicle 30 side toward the outside in the vehicle width direction). The LED light sources 12 in the block are sequentially switched from the extinguished state to the lit state in the reverse direction so that the orientation region is sequentially brightened.

  For example, in a curve traveling state as shown in FIG. 6A, the position of the preceding vehicle 30 changes as shown in FIG. 6B (the position of the preceding vehicle 30 changes to the left). When switching the four light distribution areas A4 from the extinguished state to the lit state, as shown in the enlarged view of the fourth light distribution area A4 in the same figure, the end of the fourth light distribution area A4 in the moving direction of the preceding vehicle 30 That is, the LED light sources 12 in the block B4 are sequentially turned on from the light-off state so that the fourth light distribution area A4 sequentially becomes brighter from the movement direction (that is, the left end) in the direction opposite to the movement direction (that is, the right direction). Switch to. That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, for each of the blocks B1 to B8 of the headlights 2L and 2R, the six LED light sources 24 in the rightmost column are sequentially arranged from the top to the light sources X1 to X6, and the six LEDs in the center column. When the light source 24 is set to the light sources Y1 to Y6 in order from the top and the six LED light sources 24 in the leftmost column are set to the light sources Z1 to Z6 in order from the top, first, the light sources Z1 to Z6 are simultaneously switched from off to on. The light sources Y1 to Y6 are switched from off to on at the same time, and the light sources X1 to X6 are switched from off to on at the same time after the set time has elapsed.

  In the second light distribution change control, when the controller 20 switches the light distribution area being turned on to off, all the LED light sources 12 in the block are simultaneously turned on for each of the blocks B1 to B8 of the headlights 2L and 2R. Switch to the off state. This is the same as the first light distribution change control.

  On the other hand, when switching the light distribution area being turned off to lighting, the controller 20 moves the LED light source 12 in the block from the upper side to the lower side so that the orientation area gradually becomes brighter from the front side toward the rear side. The light is sequentially switched from the off state to the on state.

  For example, while traveling on a straight road as shown in FIG. 7A, the position of the preceding vehicle 30 changes forward as shown in FIG. 7B, and accordingly, the sixth light distribution area A6 is turned off. When switching to the lighting state, as shown in the enlarged view of the sixth light distribution area A6 in the figure, each of the blocks in the block B6 so that the sixth light distribution area A6 sequentially becomes brighter from the front to the rear. The LED light source 12 is sequentially switched from the off state to the on state. In other words, referring to FIG. 2B, first, the light sources X1, Y1, and Z1 are simultaneously switched from the off state to the on state, and after the set time has elapsed, the light sources X2, Y2, and Z2 are simultaneously switched from the off state to the on state. Then, the light sources that are turned off are switched to the light-on state for each row up to the light sources X6, Y6, and Z6.

  The controller 20 (light distribution control unit 22) calculates a change speed of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 based on information from the radar 4 or the camera 6, and the LED light sources 12 (light sources X1 to X6) according to the change speed. , Y1 to Y6, and Z1 to Z6) are changed from the time when the lights are turned off to the time when the lights are turned on (the set time). For example, the controller 20 stores data in which the change speed of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 is associated with the set time, and changes the set time based on this data. This set time is set to be relatively faster (shorter) as the speed of change of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 is relatively faster.

  When the process of step S11 or S15 is executed, the controller 20 returns the process to step S5. Although not shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the headlights 2L and 2R are turned off, the controller 20 ends this flowchart.

[Function and effect]
According to the vehicle lighting device described above, when the preceding vehicle 30 exists during night driving, the orientation region corresponding to the preceding vehicle 30 is turned off among the first to eighth light distribution regions A1 to A8. Therefore, even if it is a high beam, it is suppressed that the driving | running | working of the preceding vehicle 30 arises with the light of headlight 2L, 2R.

  In addition, when the vehicle is traveling in a curve where the steering angle is equal to or greater than the set angle and the light distribution state of the headlights 2L, 2R is switched according to the position change of the preceding vehicle 30, the first light distribution as described above. Since the change control is executed, the driver feels uncomfortable by switching the light distribution state. That is, when the light distribution area that is turned off is switched to the lighting state according to the position change of the preceding vehicle 30, according to the first light distribution change control, the movement direction from the end of the light distribution area in the movement direction of the preceding vehicle 30 LED light sources 12 in the respective blocks of the headlights 2L and 2R are lit so that the light distribution area is sequentially brightened in the opposite direction (ie, from the preceding vehicle 30 side to the outside in the vehicle width direction). Be controlled. That is, the headlights 2L and 2R are controlled so that the light distribution area is sequentially brightened according to the direction in which the actual background moves. For this reason, in the light distribution area where the lighting state can be switched to the lighting state, the driver can visually recognize that the scenery flows in the same direction as that in the daytime, thereby alleviating the driver from feeling uncomfortable. Therefore, according to this vehicular illumination device, the driver can perform a driving operation without a sense of incongruity during traveling at night, particularly during traveling on a curve with the preceding vehicle 30.

  Also, when the light distribution state of the headlights 2L, 2R is switched according to the position change of the preceding vehicle 30 while traveling on a straight road where the steering angle is less than the set angle, the second light distribution as described above. Since the change control is executed, in this case as well, the driver feels uncomfortable. That is, when the light distribution area that is turned off is switched to the lighting state in accordance with the position of the preceding vehicle 30 changing forward, according to the second light distribution change control, the light distribution area is changed from the front side toward the rear side. The LED light sources 12 in each block of the headlights 2L and 2R are controlled to be lightened so as to become brighter sequentially. That is, the headlights 2L and 2R are controlled so that the light distribution area is sequentially brightened according to the direction in which the actual background moves. For this reason, in the light distribution area where the lighting state can be switched to the lighting state, the driver can visually recognize that the scenery flows in the same direction as that in the daytime, thereby alleviating the driver from feeling uncomfortable.

  Therefore, according to the above-described vehicle lighting device, the driver can perform a driving operation more comfortably during night driving with the preceding vehicle 30.

  In particular, in the first and second light distribution change control, the time for switching the LED light source 12 (light sources X1 to X6, Y1 to Y6, Z1 to Z6) from turn-off to turn on (the set time) is the relative position of the preceding vehicle 30. It is changed according to the change speed. Specifically, the position of the preceding vehicle 30 is changed so as to be relatively shorter as the change speed of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 is relatively faster. Therefore, it is reduced that the driver feels uncomfortable due to the fact that the change speed of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 and the change speed of the light distribution state in the light distribution area do not match (balance). That is, when the speed of change of the light distribution state in the light distribution region is slow although the speed of change of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 is fast, or conversely, the speed of change of the position of the preceding vehicle 30 is slow. When the change speed of the light distribution state in the light region is fast, it is expected that the driver feels uncomfortable due to the gap, but such inconvenience is reduced.

[Modifications, etc.]
The vehicle lighting device described above is an exemplification of a preferred embodiment of the vehicle lighting device according to the present invention, and the specific configuration thereof can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following configuration may be employed.

  (1) Each of the headlights 2L and 2R according to the embodiment has a configuration including two light main body portions 10R and 10L each including a plurality of LED light sources 12, but the headlights 2L and 2R are, for example, a single light source. The light may be reflected by a digital micromirror device (DMD) and irradiated to the front of the vehicle 1 through a lens. In this case, instead of switching the light source on and off, the controller 20 controls the direction of the plurality of micromirrors included in the DMD, thereby irradiating and not irradiating the light distribution regions A1 to A8. What is necessary is just to switch.

  (2) In the embodiment, the controller 20 executes the first light distribution change control only while the vehicle 1 is traveling on a curve in which the steering angle is equal to or greater than the set angle. The first light distribution change control may be executed even when 1 is traveling.

  (3) In the embodiment, based on the information from the steering angle sensor 8, whether the steering wheel is operated more than the set steering angle from the straight traveling state (that is, whether the curvature of the curve is greater than a predetermined curvature). However, for example, it may be determined whether the vehicle is traveling along the curve based on position information (map information) of the navigation system.

1 Vehicle 2L, 2R Headlight (headlight)
4 Radar (detection unit)
6 Camera (detection unit)
10L, 10R Light body part 12 LED light source 20 Controller 22 Light distribution control part (control part)
A1 to A8 First to eighth light distribution regions

Claims (6)

A headlamp capable of changing the light distribution in each of the plurality of light distribution areas divided in the left-right direction;
A detection unit for detecting a forward vehicle located ahead;
Control for controlling the headlamp to turn off the light distribution area by identifying the light distribution area corresponding to the front vehicle from the plurality of light distribution areas according to the position of the front vehicle detected by the detection unit. And
When switching the light distribution area being extinguished to a lighting state in accordance with a change in the position of the vehicle in front, the control unit makes the headlight so that the light distribution area gradually becomes brighter according to the direction in which the actual background moves. A vehicle lighting device characterized by controlling a lamp. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1,
The headlamp performs light distribution in one light distribution region by a plurality of light sources,
The control unit, when switching a light distribution area that is turned off to a lighting state, sequentially turns on a plurality of light sources that are turned off corresponding to the light distribution area according to the direction in which the actual background moves. The vehicle lighting device. In the vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2,
When the front vehicle moves in the lateral direction, the control unit switches the light distribution region that is turned off to the lighting state, and the inside of the alignment region is moved from the front vehicle side toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A vehicular illumination device, wherein the headlamps are controlled so as to become brighter sequentially. The vehicle lighting device according to claim 3,
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes control to sequentially brighten the inside of the orientation region only when the curve is running and the curvature of the curve is equal to or greater than a predetermined curvature. In the vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2,
When the position of the vehicle ahead moves forward, the control unit sequentially turns the light distribution area from the front side toward the rear side when the light distribution area being turned off is switched to the lighting state. The vehicle lighting device is characterized by controlling the headlamp. In the vehicle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit relatively increases a change rate when sequentially brightening the light distribution region as the change rate of the position of the preceding vehicle is relatively high.

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