JP5898930B2 - Vehicle lighting - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp that can switch an irradiation range of a high beam toward the front of a vehicle into a plurality of patterns.

  In Japanese Patent No. 4624257 (Patent Document 1), a plurality of irradiation areas are arranged horizontally on a cut line (high beam area), a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle are detected, and the irradiation areas corresponding to the detected positions are turned off. Thus, there is disclosed a vehicular lamp that enhances driver visibility and prevents dazzling the preceding vehicle. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-70679 (Patent Document 2) discloses that a light distribution pattern formed from a plurality of light source units has a clear outline and substantially uniform brightness or a specific light intensity distribution. A vehicle headlamp is disclosed.

  By the way, in the prior example disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an unintended illuminance difference occurs between a plurality of irradiation areas, noticeable brightness and darkness occur in the high beam area, resulting in an unnatural light distribution pattern. This gives a visual discomfort to the driver. On the other hand, in the prior example disclosed in Patent Document 2, a clear contour is given to the light distribution pattern by improving the structure of the left and right lamp units, and a substantially uniform brightness or specific light intensity distribution is obtained. Realized. However, this prior example is based on the premise that the light intensity of a plurality of LEDs serving as light sources is uniform. Actually, however, there is a variation in LED characteristics (a variation in light intensity with respect to the forward current IF). There was still room for improvement in terms of homogenization. Further, even if the variation in LED characteristics in one lamp unit is suppressed, the vehicular lamp is generally composed of two left and right lamp units. Therefore, if there is a characteristic difference between the left and right lamp units, it is still arranged. Improvements have also been desired in that the above-mentioned problems occur in the optical pattern.

Japanese Patent No. 4624257 JP 2009-70679 A

  The specific aspect which concerns on this invention makes it one of the objectives to provide the vehicle lamp which can homogenize a light distribution pattern.

The vehicular lamp according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicular lamp that selectively irradiates each of a plurality of light distribution areas arranged in one direction, and (a) a plurality of lights that are emitted from each are combined. And (b) a light distribution control unit connected to each of the plurality of optical units. Each of the plurality of optical units includes (c) a plurality of light emitting elements, (d) a light emitting element driving unit that individually supplies driving signals to the plurality of light emitting elements, and (e) a plurality of light emitting elements individually. And an actual illuminance storage unit that stores an actual illuminance value by light that can be emitted when driven under a certain condition for each of the plurality of light emitting elements. The light distribution control unit reads (f) the actual illuminance value stored in each effective illuminance storage unit of each of the plurality of optical units, and each of the plurality of light emitting elements of each of the plurality of optical units using the actual illuminance value. A correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value for individually correcting the magnitude of the drive signal to be supplied to the device, (g) a correction value storage unit that stores correction values for each of the plurality of light emitting elements, h) have a drive controller for supplying a control signal to the light emitting device driving unit so as to supply a corrected drive signal using the correction value, (i) the correction value calculation unit from among the plurality of light emitting elements , One or more light emitting elements corresponding to each of the two light distribution areas that are paired across the center among the plurality of light distribution areas are sequentially selected, and the actual illuminance value of the light emitting elements or their sum is calculated. Compare and that of two paired light distribution areas Set illuminance value each other given to record to calculates a correction value to be substantially equal.

  According to the above vehicle lamp, the actual illuminance value obtained by the light that can be emitted when each light emitting element is driven under a certain condition (for example, at the maximum current value) is measured in advance, and the actual illuminance value of each optical unit is measured. It is stored in the storage unit. As a result, the illuminance value of each light distribution area and the actual illuminance value of each light emitting element are different from each other when forming a plurality of light distribution areas by the light actually emitted from each light emitting element of each optical unit. In this case, the illuminance of each light distribution area can be set to an appropriate value by correcting the magnitude of the drive current. Therefore, even if there is a variation in the characteristics of each light emitting element (for example, LED) or a characteristic difference between the two left and right optical units (lamp unit), it is possible to correct them and make the light distribution pattern uniform. It becomes. In particular, according to the vehicular lamp described above, each light emitting element can be used not only after the vehicular lamp is assembled at the time of manufacturing the vehicle but also after one or both of the optical units have failed and the optical unit is replaced. The characteristic effect that it is possible to correct the characteristic variation and the characteristic difference between the optical units can be obtained.

In the vehicular lamp with the above, as the compensation values, for example, it can be used the ratio of the ability illuminance value and setting illuminance values corresponding to each of the two light distribution area to be paired.

  According to this, a more appropriate correction value can be obtained.

  In the vehicle lamp described above, it is preferable that the correction value calculation unit sets the correction value so that the set illuminance value given to each of the plurality of light distribution areas gradually decreases from the center to both ends as a whole.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle lamp of one Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structural example of an optical unit. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the specific example of a light distribution pattern. It is a figure for demonstrating in detail an example of a light distribution pattern. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of a light distribution pattern. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of a light distribution pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure at the time of measuring the illumination intensity of the irradiation pattern by each optical unit previously, and storing in memory. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a vehicle side control part. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a detailed process sequence of step S23 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a detailed process sequence of step S23 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the illumination intensity setting ratio with respect to the design illumination intensity of each LED, setting illumination intensity, and design illumination intensity. It is a figure which shows an example of the illumination intensity setting ratio with respect to the effective illumination intensity, setting illumination intensity, and actual illumination intensity of each LED. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the light distribution pattern correct | amended using the illumination intensity setting ratio stored in the memory. It is a figure which shows an example of the design illumination value in the example shown in FIG. 13, an actual illumination intensity value, and setting illumination intensity value.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicular lamp according to an embodiment. The vehicle lamp shown in FIG. 1 performs light irradiation by setting a light distribution pattern based on an image obtained by imaging a space (target space) in front of the host vehicle with a camera 11. 10 and two optical units 15R and 15L connected thereto. The central control unit 10 includes a vehicle detection unit 12, a light distribution control unit 13, and a memory 14. The camera 11 may also be part of the configuration of the central control unit 10.

  The camera 11 is installed at a predetermined position (for example, in the vicinity of an indoor rearview mirror) of the host vehicle and captures a space in front of the host vehicle.

  The vehicle detection unit 12 acquires an image (image data) obtained by photographing the space in front of the host vehicle from the camera 11 and performs image recognition processing on the image, whereby the target vehicle (preceding vehicle or The position information of the oncoming vehicle is detected.

  The light distribution control unit 13 sets a light distribution pattern according to the position of the target vehicle existing ahead of the host vehicle based on the position information of the target vehicle detected by the vehicle detection unit 12, and the set light distribution A control signal (light distribution control signal) is output to each of the optical units 15R and 15L so that light is irradiated according to the pattern. The light distribution control unit 13 is realized by executing a predetermined operation program in a computer system having, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The memory 14 is connected to the light distribution control unit 13 and stores various data. A non-volatile memory is used as the memory 14.

  The optical unit 15R is installed on the front right side of the host vehicle and used to irradiate light that illuminates the front of the host vehicle. Similarly, the optical unit 15L is installed on the front left side of the host vehicle, and is used for irradiating light that illuminates the front of the host vehicle. As shown in the figure, the optical units 15R and 15L have a common configuration. Specifically, the unit-side control unit 21, the memory 22, the LED lighting circuit 23, and nine units connected in parallel to each other, respectively. LEDs (light emitting elements) 1 to 9 are provided.

  The unit-side control unit 21 receives a control signal (LED on / off signal) from the light distribution control unit 13 and gives a control signal to the LED lighting circuit 23 to turn on / off the LEDs 1 to 9 and the luminous intensity of each LED. Are controlled individually.

  The memory 22 is connected to the unit side control unit 21 and stores various data. A non-volatile memory is used as the memory 22.

  The LED lighting circuit 23 controls the turning on and off of the LEDs 1 to 9 by individually supplying driving signals (driving currents) to the LEDs 1 to 9 based on the control signal from the unit-side control unit 21. Each luminous intensity is controlled by the magnitude of the current.

  The light distribution control unit 13 described above corresponds to the “correction value calculation unit” and the “drive control unit”, the memory 14 corresponds to the “correction value storage unit”, and the unit side control unit 21 and the LED lighting circuit 23 include Corresponding to the “light emitting element driving unit”, the memory 22 corresponds to the “effective illuminance storage unit”.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the optical unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical unit 15R (or 15L) is disposed behind the projection lens 41 disposed on the optical axis AX extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the rear focal plane of the projection lens 41. The light source unit 30, a lens holding frame 40 that holds the projection lens 41 in a predetermined position, and a heat sink 50 attached to the light source unit 30 are configured. The optical unit 15R is integrated by attaching the projection lens 41 to the lens holding frame 40 and fixing the lens holding frame 40 to the heat sink 50 with screws. The light source unit 30 includes an interference prevention member 32 formed by integrating a plurality of light guide lens portions 31 and a plurality of LEDs arranged in one direction (horizontal direction) and is disposed behind the interference prevention member 32. The light emitting element substrate 33 is included. The LEDs provided on the light emitting element substrate 33 are the LEDs 1 to 9 connected to the LED lighting circuit 23 described above. The light emitted from each LED is guided to the projection lens 41 by each light guide lens portion 31 of the interference preventing member 32 and projected in front of the host vehicle. At this time, the light distribution pattern can be freely controlled by, for example, partially shielding the high beam irradiation area by individually controlling lighting / extinction of each light emitting element.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a specific example of the light distribution pattern. Specifically, FIGS. 3 (A) to 3 (D) schematically show the scenery when looking forward from the host vehicle. In each figure, a substantially elliptical low beam region is disposed on the lower side, and a high beam region is disposed on the upper side of the low beam region. For the convenience of illustration, more light overlaps and the portion with higher illuminance is expressed in darker gray. In the high beam region, a plurality of light distribution areas are arranged in a line along the horizontal direction. These 14 light distribution areas are formed by synthesizing light emitted from each of the optical units 15R and 15L. For example, the example shown in FIG. 3A shows a case where the entire high beam region is set as the light irradiation range. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the light distribution areas inside the light distribution areas of the high beam area are turned off so that the light distribution areas where the oncoming vehicle and the preceding vehicle exist are not irradiated with light. The case is shown as a state. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 3C, in the case where only the preceding vehicle exists, several light distributions corresponding to the preceding vehicle out of the plurality of light distribution areas in the high beam region so that the preceding vehicle is not irradiated with light. The case where the area is turned off is shown. Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 3D, when there is only an oncoming vehicle, several light distributions corresponding to the preceding vehicle among a plurality of light distribution areas in the high beam region so that the oncoming vehicle is not irradiated with light. The case where the area is turned off is shown. In this way, by setting the light distribution area where the preceding vehicle or oncoming vehicle is present to the non-irradiation state and other light distribution areas to the irradiation state, dazzling the preceding vehicle, etc. is prevented, and the driver of the own vehicle is visually recognized. Can increase the sex.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the light distribution pattern in detail. Here, a light distribution pattern of a design value that is one of ideal states in the present embodiment is shown.

  FIG. 4A shows a light distribution pattern (L-side light distribution) formed by the optical unit 15L disposed on the left side of the vehicle. As illustrated, the light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit 15L includes nine light distribution areas indicated by light distribution area numbers L1 to L9. Specifically, the light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit 15L includes a light distribution area L5 located at the center, four light distribution areas L1 to L4 that gradually increase in area from the center to the left side, and from the center. Four light distribution areas L6 to L9 that gradually increase in area toward the right side are included. FIG. 4B shows the relative illuminance difference of this light distribution pattern. The light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit 15L has the highest illuminance of the light distribution area L5 located at the center, and the illuminance of each light distribution area gradually decreases from the center toward the left and right.

  Similarly, FIG. 4C shows a light distribution pattern (R-side light distribution) formed by the optical unit 15R disposed on the right side of the vehicle. Specifically, the light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit 15R includes a light distribution area R5 located at the center, four light distribution areas R1 to R4 that gradually increase in area from the center to the left side, and from the center. Four light distribution areas R6 to R9 that gradually increase in area toward the right side are included. FIG. 4D shows the relative illuminance difference of this light distribution pattern. In the light distribution pattern formed by the optical unit 15R, the illuminance of the light distribution area R5 located at the center is the highest, and the illuminance of each light distribution area decreases stepwise from the center toward the left and right.

  FIG. 4E shows a combined light distribution pattern (synthetic light distribution) obtained by superimposing the light distribution patterns formed by the optical units 15R and 15L. Specifically, the combined light distribution pattern formed by each of the optical units 15R and 15L includes light distribution areas Z7 and Z8 arranged with the center in between, and six light distribution areas Z1 to Z6 on the left side from the center, Six light distribution areas Z9 to Z14 on the right side from the center are included. Specifically, the light distribution area Z1 is formed by the light distribution area L1 which is one of the light distribution patterns of the optical unit 15L. The light distribution area Z2 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L1 and the light distribution area R1, and the light distribution area Z3 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L2 and the light distribution area R1. The light distribution area Z4 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L3 and the light distribution area R1, the light distribution area Z5 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L4 and the light distribution area R2, and the light distribution area Z6 is formed by the light distribution area L5. The light distribution area R2 is formed to overlap. The light distribution area Z7 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L6 and the light distribution area R3, and the light distribution area Z8 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L7 and the light distribution area R4. The light distribution area Z9 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L8 and the light distribution area R5, the light distribution area Z10 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L8 and the light distribution area R6, and the light distribution area Z11 is formed by the light distribution area L9. The light distribution area R7 is formed so as to overlap. The light distribution area Z12 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L9 and the light distribution area R8, and the light distribution area Z13 is formed by overlapping the light distribution area L9 and the light distribution area R9. The light distribution area Z14 is formed by a light distribution area R9 which is one of the light distribution patterns of the optical unit 15R. FIG. 4F shows the relative illuminance difference of this combined light distribution pattern. The combined light distribution pattern formed by the optical units 15R and 15L has the highest illuminance of the light distribution areas Z7 and Z8 located across the center, and the illuminance of each light distribution area gradually increases from the center to the left and right respectively. It is low (in steps).

  5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining another example of the light distribution pattern. 5A to FIG. 5F and the detailed contents of FIG. 6A to FIG. 6F are the same as those in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 5F, for example, when the illuminance in the light distribution area Z7 is significantly lower than the design value, such a synthetic light distribution pattern is visually recognized as a streaky illuminance variation in the human eye. Is done. Further, as shown in FIG. 6F, for example, when the illuminance in each light distribution area from the center to the left is relatively larger than the illuminance in each right light distribution area, such a combined light distribution pattern is used. Is visible to the human eye as an uneven illumination distribution.

  Next, the operation of the vehicular lamp of the present embodiment for realizing a uniform composite light distribution pattern by suppressing the illuminance variation as described above will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the illuminance of the irradiation pattern by each optical unit is measured in advance and stored in the memory. This operation is performed, for example, at the time of lighting inspection at the time of manufacturing (before shipment) of the optical units 15R and 15L.

  First, using an inspection device (not shown), drive signals are individually given to the LEDs 1 to 9 of the optical unit 15L, and the light distribution areas L1 to L9 (see FIG. 4A) at positions separated by a predetermined design distance. ) Is measured (step S11). Similarly, driving signals are individually given to the LEDs 1 to 9 of the optical unit 15R, and the illuminance in each of the light distribution areas R1 to R9 (see FIG. 4C) is measured at positions separated by a design distance (see FIG. 4C). Step S12). Here, a design maximum current is supplied to each of the LEDs 1 to 9, and the illuminance in each light distribution area at that time is measured. The illuminance measured here is hereinafter referred to as “effective illuminance”. Note that the order of step S11 and step S12 may be reversed, or may be executed in parallel.

  Next, the inspection apparatus stores the values of illuminance (effective illuminance) measured individually for the LEDs 1 to 9 in the memory 22 of the corresponding optical units 15R and 15L (step S13). That is, the actual illuminance values of the LEDs 1 to 9 of the optical unit 15R are stored in the memory 22 of the optical unit 15R, and the actual illuminance values of the LEDs 1 to 9 of the optical unit 15L are stored in the memory 22 of the optical unit 15L. Since each memory 22 is a non-volatile memory, the actual illuminance values of the LEDs 1 to 9 are retained even after the optical units 15R and 15L are shipped and attached to the vehicle.

  Next, by using the actual illuminance value of each LED stored in the memory 22 of each optical unit 15R, 15L, the light distribution control unit 13 suppresses the illuminance variation of each light distribution area in the combined light distribution pattern and homogenizes it. The processing executed to do this will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the vehicle-side control unit. Note that the operation described here is performed, for example, when each optical unit 15R, 15L is attached at the time of manufacture of the vehicle, or after that, on one or both of the optical units 15R, 15L of the vehicle. There may be a case where a failure or the like occurs, and therefore, the process is executed when the optical unit is replaced.

  The light distribution control unit 13 reads the individual effective illuminance values of the respective LEDs stored in the memory 22 of the optical unit 15L via the unit side control unit 21 of the optical unit 15L (L side optical unit) (step S21). ). The actual illuminance value read by the light distribution control unit 13 is temporarily stored in the memory 14, for example.

  Similarly, the light distribution control unit 13 reads individual effective illuminance values of the respective LEDs stored in the memory 22 of the optical unit 15R via the unit side control unit 21 of the optical unit 15R (R side optical unit). (Step S22). The actual illuminance value read by the light distribution control unit 13 is temporarily stored in the memory 14, for example.

Next, the light distribution control unit 13 uses the actual illuminance value of each LED read from each optical unit 15R, 15L, and the illuminance of each light distribution area of the combined light distribution pattern is as designed or close to the designed value. Then, an illuminance setting ratio, which is a correction value indicating how much the illuminance should be dimmed with respect to the actual illuminance value to calculate the right and left balanced values, is calculated ( Step S23). Specifically, the illuminance setting ratio is obtained by calculating a ratio (set illuminance value / effective illuminance value) between the set illuminance value after dimming and the actual illuminance value . A detailed processing procedure example of step S23 will be further described later.

  Next, the light distribution control unit 13 stores the illuminance setting ratio obtained in step S23 in the memory 14 (step S24). Thereby, the light distribution pattern in the vehicle lamp is controlled using the illuminance setting ratio stored in the memory 14 thereafter. Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 sets the magnitude of the drive current supplied to each LED according to the illuminance setting ratio. The illuminance setting ratio may be stored in the memory 22 of each optical unit 15R, 15L. In this case, what is necessary is just to set the magnitude | size of the drive current which the unit side control part 21 of each optical unit 15R and 15L supplies to each LED according to an illumination intensity setting ratio.

9 and 10 are flowcharts showing a detailed processing procedure example of step S23 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the design illuminance, the set illuminance, and the illuminance setting ratio with respect to the design illuminance of each LED. Specifically, FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating design illuminance values and the like of the LEDs 1 to 9 (R-side LEDs) of the optical module 15R, and FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating the LEDs 1 to 9 (L of the optical module 15L). It is a figure which shows the design illumination value etc. of side LED). Moreover, FIG. 12 is a figure which shows an example of the illumination intensity setting ratio with respect to the actual illumination intensity of each LED, setting illumination intensity, and actual illumination intensity. Specifically, FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the actual illuminance values and the like of the LEDs 1 to 9 (R-side LEDs) of the optical module 15R, and FIG. 12B is a diagram of the LEDs 1 to 9 (L of the optical module 15L). It is a figure which shows the capability illuminance value etc. of side LED). The unit of illuminance value is lux (lx). Here, the following processing procedure basically follows the following rules.
(1) The illuminance setting ratio is determined in order from the light distribution area (Z7, Z8) close to the front with respect to the vehicle.
(2) Use a light distribution pattern in which the illuminance gradually decreases (darkens) from the front toward both sides.
(3) The illuminance between adjacent light distribution areas may be the same value.

  First, the light distribution control unit 13 performs a process for making the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z7 and Z8 equal or reducing the difference.

  Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 is larger than that of the light distribution area Z7 (step S31). Specifically, the effective illuminance value of the light distribution area Z7 is the effective illuminance value of the LED 3 corresponding to the light distribution area R3 (1480 [lx] in the example of FIG. 12A) and the LED 6 corresponding to the light distribution area L6. Of the actual illuminance value (1460 [lx] in the example of FIG. 12B) is added to be 2940 [lx] in this example. Similarly, the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 is the actual illuminance value of the LED 4 corresponding to the light distribution area R4 (1600 [lx] in the example of FIG. 12A) and the actual illuminance value of the LED 7 corresponding to the light distribution area L7. (1600 [lx] in the example of FIG. 12B) is added to obtain 3200 [lx] in this example. Similarly, the actual illuminance value of each light distribution area in the combined light distribution pattern is calculated in the same manner.

  For example, when the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 is larger than the light distribution area Z7 (step S31; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas R4 and L7 related to the light distribution area Z8. The set illuminance values of the LEDs 4 and 7 corresponding to the light distribution areas R4 and L7 are set so that the illuminance setting ratio (the set illuminance ratio with respect to the design illuminance) does not deviate from 100% as much as possible (step S32). In this example, in order to decrease the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 by 260 [lx], the illuminance of each of the light distribution areas R4 and L7 is set low by 130 [lx] (both values are 91.9 with respect to the design illuminance value). % Setting; see FIG. 11). For example, when only the light distribution area R4 is reduced by 260 [lx], L7 is not deviated from 100%, but the light distribution area R4 is not preferable because the deviation is large from 83.8%. In the same manner as the dimming method in step S32, steps S34, S38, S39, S42, S43, S45, S49, S50, S53, S54, S56, S60, S61, S64, S65, which will be described later, Necessary dimming processing is also performed for S67, S71, S72, S75, S76, S78, S82, S83, S86, S87, and S89 (the description thereof will be omitted).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 is not larger than the light distribution area Z7 (step S31; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 conversely determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 is smaller than the light distribution area Z7. Determination is made (step S33). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z8 is smaller than that of the light distribution area Z7 (step S33; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas R3 and L6 related to the light distribution area Z7. The set illuminance value of the LEDs 3 and 6 corresponding to the light areas R3 and L6 is set (step S34).

  When the set illuminance value in each light distribution area is determined (step S35), the light distribution control unit 13 stores these set illuminance values in the memory 14. Note that the actual illuminance value is directly determined as the set illuminance value for the light distribution area where the set illuminance value does not need to be changed (the same applies hereinafter). Moreover, when the illumination intensity of light distribution area Z7 and Z8 is equal (step S33; NO), since it is not necessary to change the setting illumination value of each LED, the process of step S32 and step S34 is not performed.

  Next, the light distribution control unit 13 performs processing for making the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z6 and Z9 equal, or reducing the difference.

  Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 (step S36). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 (step S36; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z6 is larger than the light distribution area Z7 determined in step S35. Is determined (step S37).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z6 is large (step S37; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces all the light distribution areas L5, R2, L8, and R5 related to the light distribution areas Z6 and Z9. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S38). This is a process for increasing the illuminance toward the center of the combined light distribution pattern (and so on).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z7 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 (step S37; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L8 and R5 related to the light distribution area Z9. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to the light distribution area is set (step S39).

  In step S36, when the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is not larger than that of the light distribution area Z6 (step S36; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 conversely the light distribution area Z9 than the light distribution area Z6. It is determined whether or not the illuminance is low (step S40). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is smaller than the light distribution area Z6 (step S40; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is larger than the light distribution area Z7 (step S40). S41).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is high (step S41; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces all the light distribution areas L5, R2, L8, and R5 related to the light distribution areas Z6 and Z9. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S42).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is not large (step S41; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 supports each light distribution area in order to reduce the light distribution areas L5 and R2 related to the light distribution area Z6. The set illuminance value of the LED to be set is set (step S43).

  When the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z6 and Z9 are equal (step S40; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is larger than that of the light distribution area Z7 (step S44). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z9 is larger than the light distribution area Z7 (step S44; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 sets the light distribution areas L5, R2, L8, and R5 related to the light distribution areas Z6 and Z9. In order to reduce all light, the set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S45).

  When the set illuminance value in each light distribution area is determined (step S46), the light distribution control unit 13 stores these set illuminance values in the memory 14. Further, when the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z6 and Z9 are equal and the illuminance is smaller than that of the light distribution area Z7 (step S44; NO), it is not necessary to change the set illuminance value of each LED. , Step S42, Step S43, and Step S45 are not executed.

  Next, the light distribution control unit 13 performs a process for making the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z5 and Z10 equal or reducing the difference.

  Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is larger than the light distribution area Z5 (step S47). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is larger than the light distribution area Z5 (step S47; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z5 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 determined in step S46. Is determined (step S48).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z5 is large (step S48; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L4 and R6 related to the light distribution areas Z5 and Z10. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S49).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z6 is larger than the light distribution area Z5 (step S48; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution area R6 related to the light distribution area Z10. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S50).

  In step S47, when the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is not larger than that of the light distribution area Z5 (step S47; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 conversely the light distribution area Z10 than the light distribution area Z5. It is determined whether or not the illuminance is low (step S51). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is smaller than the light distribution area Z5 (step S51; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 (step S51). S52).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is large (step S52; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L4 and R6 related to the light distribution areas Z5 and Z10. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S53).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is not large (step S52; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution area L4 related to the light distribution area Z5 by the LED corresponding to this light distribution area. A set illuminance value is set (step S54).

  When the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z5 and Z10 are equal (step S51; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 (step S55). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z10 is larger than the light distribution area Z6 (step S55; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 dims all the light distribution areas L4 and R6 related to the light distribution areas Z5 and Z10. Therefore, the set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S56).

  When the set illuminance value in each light distribution area is determined (step S57), the light distribution control unit 13 stores these set illuminance values in the memory 14. Further, when the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z5 and Z10 are equal and the illuminance is smaller than that of the light distribution area Z6 (step S55; NO), it is not necessary to change the set illuminance value of each LED, so steps S49 and S50. , Step S53, Step S54 and Step S56 are not executed.

  Next, the light distribution control unit 13 performs processing for making the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z4 and Z11 equal or reducing the difference.

  Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is larger than the light distribution area Z4 (step S58). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is larger than the light distribution area Z4 (step S58; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z4 is larger than the light distribution area Z5 determined in step S57. Is determined (step S59).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z4 is large (step S59; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces all the light distribution areas L9, R7, L3, and R1 related to the light distribution areas Z4 and Z11. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S60).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z5 is larger than the light distribution area Z4 (step S59; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L9 and R7 related to the light distribution area Z11. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to the light distribution area is set (step S61).

  In step S58, when the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is not larger than that of the light distribution area Z4 (step S58; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 conversely, the light distribution area Z11 than the light distribution area Z4. It is determined whether or not the illuminance is low (step S62). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is smaller than the light distribution area Z4 (step S62; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is larger than the light distribution area Z5 (step S62). S63).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is large (step S63; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces all the light distribution areas L9, R7, L3, and R1 related to the light distribution areas Z4 and Z11. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S64).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is not large (step S63; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 supports each light distribution area in order to reduce the light distribution areas L3 and R1 related to the light distribution area Z4. The set illuminance value of the LED to be set is set (step S65).

  When the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z4 and Z11 are equal (step S62; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is larger than that of the light distribution area Z5 (step S66). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z11 is larger than the light distribution area Z5 (step S66; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 sets the light distribution areas L9, R7, L3, and R1 related to the light distribution areas Z4 and Z11. In order to reduce all light, the set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S67).

  When the set illuminance value in each light distribution area is determined (step S68), the light distribution control unit 13 stores these set illuminance values in the memory 14. Further, when the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z4 and Z11 are equal and the illuminance is smaller than that of the light distribution area Z5 (step S66; NO), it is not necessary to change the set illuminance value of each LED. Steps S64, S65, and S67 are not executed.

  Next, the light distribution control unit 13 performs processing for making the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z3 and Z12 equal or reducing the difference.

  Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is larger than the light distribution area Z3 (step S69). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is larger than the light distribution area Z3 (step S69; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z3 is larger than the light distribution area Z4 determined in step S68. Is determined (step S70).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z3 is large (step S70; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L2 and R8 related to the light distribution areas Z3 and Z12 to reduce the light distribution areas. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S71).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z4 is larger than that of the light distribution area Z3 (step S70; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution area R8 related to the light distribution area Z12. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S72).

  In step S69, when the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is not larger than that of the light distribution area Z3 (step S69; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 is conversely more than the light distribution area Z3. It is determined whether or not the illuminance is low (step S73). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is smaller than the light distribution area Z3 (step S73; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is larger than the light distribution area Z4 (step S73). S74).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is large (step S74; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L2 and R8 related to the light distribution areas Z3 and Z12. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S75).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is not large (step S74; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution area L2 related to the light distribution area Z3 by the LED corresponding to this light distribution area. A set illuminance value is set (step S76).

  When the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z3 and Z12 are equal (step S73; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is larger than that of the light distribution area Z4 (step S77). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z12 is larger than the light distribution area Z4 (step S77; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 dims all the light distribution areas L2 and R8 related to the light distribution areas Z3 and Z12. Accordingly, the set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S78).

  When the set illuminance value in each light distribution area is determined (step S79), the light distribution control unit 13 stores these set illuminance values in the memory 14. Further, when the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z3 and Z12 are equal and the illuminance is smaller than that of the light distribution area Z4 (step S77; NO), it is not necessary to change the set illuminance value of each LED. Steps S75, S76, and S78 are not executed.

  Next, the light distribution control unit 13 performs a process for making the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z2 and Z13 equal or reducing the difference.

  Specifically, the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is larger than the light distribution area Z2 (step S80). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is larger than the light distribution area Z2 (step S80; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z2 is larger than the light distribution area Z3 determined in step S79. Is determined (step S81).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z2 is large (step S81; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L1 and R9 related to the light distribution areas Z2 and Z13. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S82).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z3 is larger than the light distribution area Z2 (step S83; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution area R9 related to the light distribution area Z13. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S83).

  In Step S80, when the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is not larger than that of the light distribution area Z2 (Step S80; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 conversely distributes the light distribution area Z13 from the light distribution area Z2. It is determined whether or not the illuminance is low (step S84). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is smaller than the light distribution area Z2 (step S84; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is larger than the light distribution area Z3 (step S84). S85).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is large (step S85; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution areas L1 and R9 related to the light distribution areas Z2 and Z13 to reduce the light distribution areas. The set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to is set (step S86).

  When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is not large (step S85; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 reduces the light distribution area L1 related to the light distribution area Z2 by the LED corresponding to this light distribution area. A set illuminance value is set (step S87).

  When the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z2 and Z13 are equal (step S84; NO), the light distribution control unit 13 determines whether or not the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is larger than the light distribution area Z3 (step S88). When the illuminance of the light distribution area Z13 is larger than the light distribution area Z3 (step S88; YES), the light distribution control unit 13 dims all the light distribution areas L1 and R9 related to the light distribution areas Z2 and Z13. Therefore, the set illuminance value of the LED corresponding to each light distribution area is set (step S89).

  When the set illuminance value in each light distribution area is determined (step S90), the light distribution control unit 13 stores these set illuminance values in the memory 14. Further, when the illuminances of the light distribution areas Z2 and Z13 are equal and the illuminance is smaller than that of the light distribution area Z3 (step S88; NO), it is not necessary to change the set illuminance value of each LED, so steps S82 and S83. , Step S86, Step S87, and Step S89 are not executed.

The light distribution areas Z1 and Z14 at both ends are set to the set illuminance value with the actual illuminance values L1 and R9 of each LED.

  When the set illuminance values of all the LEDs included in each of the optical units 15R and 15L are obtained as described above, the light distribution control unit 13 individually determines the illuminance that is the ratio of the set illuminance value and the actual illuminance value for each LED. The setting ratio is calculated and stored in the memory 14 (step S91). 12A and 12B described above show specific examples of the set illuminance value and the illuminance setting ratio obtained individually for each LED.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the light distribution pattern corrected using the illuminance setting ratio stored in the memory. Note that the detailed contents of FIGS. 13A to 13F are the same as those of FIG. 4 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here. The synthetic irradiation pattern shown in FIG. 13 (F) is a good one in which the left and right balance is achieved and there is no portion where the illuminance is only partially protruding. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the design illuminance, the actual illuminance value, and the set illuminance value in the example illustrated in FIG. The design illuminance, but ability illuminance value is greater variations, Ri by the fact that the correction using the luminance setting ratio is made, setting the illuminance value is highly most illuminance is the light distribution area of the central Z7, Z8 It can be seen that the illuminance decreases step by step toward both sides.

  As described above, the vehicular lamp of this embodiment measures in advance the actual illuminance value obtained by the light that can be emitted when each LED is driven under a certain condition, and stores it in the actual illuminance value storage unit of each optical unit. ing. As a result, the illuminance value of each light distribution area and the actual illuminance value of each light emitting element are different from each other when forming a plurality of light distribution areas by the light actually emitted from each light emitting element of each optical unit. In this case, the illuminance of each light distribution area can be set to an appropriate value by correcting the magnitude of the drive current. Therefore, even if there is a variation in the characteristics of each light emitting element (for example, LED) or a characteristic difference between the two left and right optical units (lamp unit), it is possible to correct them and make the light distribution pattern uniform. It becomes.

  In particular, according to the vehicular lamp of the present embodiment, not only after the installation of the vehicular lamp at the time of vehicle manufacture, but also after one or both of the optical units have failed and the optical unit is replaced, It is possible to obtain a specific effect that the characteristic variation of the light emitting element and the characteristic difference between the optical units can be corrected.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the content of embodiment mentioned above, In the range of the summary of this invention, it can change and implement variously. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a symmetrical light distribution pattern that is symmetric is formed, but a certain tolerance may be given to the illuminance difference between the left and right. As a result, the illuminance can be increased by the tolerance.

1-9: LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Central control part 11: Camera 12: Vehicle detection part 13: Light distribution control part 14: Memory 15R, 15L: Optical unit 21: Unit side control part 22: Memory 23: LED lighting circuit

Claims (3)

A vehicle lamp for selectively irradiating each of a plurality of light distribution areas arranged in one direction,
A plurality of optical units that combine the light emitted from each to form the plurality of light distribution areas;
A light distribution control unit connected to each of the plurality of optical units;
Including
Each of the plurality of optical units includes:
A plurality of light emitting elements;
A light emitting element driving unit that individually supplies a driving signal to the plurality of light emitting elements;
An effective illuminance storage unit that stores, for each of the plurality of light emitting elements, an actual illuminance value by light that can be emitted when each of the plurality of light emitting elements is individually driven under a certain condition;
Have
The light distribution control unit
The effective illuminance value stored in the effective illuminance storage unit of each of the plurality of optical units should be read and supplied to each of the plurality of light emitting elements of each of the plurality of optical units using the effective illuminance value. A correction value calculation unit for calculating a correction value for individually correcting the magnitude of the drive signal;
A correction value storage unit that stores the correction value for each of the plurality of light emitting elements;
A drive control unit for supplying a control signal to the light emitting element drive unit so as to supply a drive signal corrected using the correction value;
I have a,
The correction value calculation unit sequentially selects one or a plurality of light emitting elements corresponding to each of two light distribution areas that are paired across the center among the plurality of light distribution areas. The effective illuminance value of the light emitting element or the sum of them is compared, and the correction value is set so that the set illuminance values given to each of the two light distribution areas to be paired are substantially equal. Calculate,
Vehicle lamp. The vehicular lamp according to claim 1 , wherein a ratio between the actual illuminance value and the set illuminance value corresponding to each of the two light distribution areas to be paired is used as the correction value. The correction value calculation unit, said set illuminance value given to each of the plurality of light distribution area to set the correction value so as to gradually lower toward both ends from the center as a whole, according to claim 1 or 2 Vehicle lamps.